The Punjab Information Technology Board’s BizLinks initiative, launched in May 2023, aims to enhance Pakistan’s digital footprint and IT exports. It focuses on public-private partnerships, attracting Foreign Direct Investment, and leveraging PITB’s flagship products like e-Pay Punjab and e-Stamping.
Talkpool has secured a contract with the world’s largest telecom vendor to maintain a major mobile network in Pakistan, valued at approximately 620,000 Euros annually. This initial Managed Services contract represents a significant step for Talkpool in the Middle East, enhancing its service offerings and revenue stability in the region.
FLOOSS has partnered with Bahrain Channels to offer Shariah-compliant financing for purchasing smart devices. The collaboration enables customers to buy products through flexible monthly installments, enhancing the shopping experience. The agreement aims to provide accessible financial solutions and promote the growth of Bahrain’s retail and digital sectors.
Pakistan has earned a top position in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, ranking among the elite Tier 1 countries. This designation underscores Pakistan’s role as a model nation in cybersecurity, reflecting its comprehensive measures across legal, technical, and organizational domains.
Hiperdist has partnered with Apacer to distribute its full range of memory and digital storage products across the Middle East and Africa. This collaboration aims to enhance product availability in the rapidly growing market, particularly in gaming and content creation, leveraging Hiperdist’s extensive channel network.
The Saudi Digital Government Authority announced that its Digital Experience Maturity Index for 2024 rated at an advanced 85.04%. Evaluating 39 platforms, the index aims to enhance user satisfaction and digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, with top platforms like Tawakkalna achieving a high score of 91.29%.
Jordan’s Association of Banks has launched FinApp.jo, the country’s first Financial Awareness Platform, to improve financial literacy and inclusion. The platform, developed with the Central Bank of Jordan and local institutions, focuses on banking, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and fintech to promote responsible financial behavior and economic growth.
Forty-six deep-tech startups graduated from the KACST Venture Program in Riyadh, representing sectors like energy, healthcare, and renewables. The program, backed by the National Technology Development Program, supports emerging technologies and aims to transform research into marketable products. The new phase will involve partnerships with Saudi universities.
UAE telecom operators e& and du paid AED3.54 billion in federal royalty for H1 2024, down from AED3.73 billion in H1 2023. The new royalty guidelines exclude international profits, applying a 38% rate on UAE net profits and a 9% corporate tax rate.
Morocco is set to legalize cryptocurrencies, reversing its 2017 ban, and exploring a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the e-dirham. This move supports financial inclusion and digital transformation, with the goal of enhancing public sector efficiency. The country aligns with global trends in blockchain technology and digital assets.
