Sri Lanka has established a Digital Economy Ministry to advance its digital transformation strategy, aiming to make the country a global digital hub and generate $15 billion in economic value by the end of the decade. The initiative highlights the importance of technology in national development and economic resilience.
Qatar Airways is expanding its Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity to its Airbus A350 fleet, following the success of its Boeing 777 upgrade. The airline becomes the first to equip the A350 with Starlink, ensuring passengers enjoy ultra-fast Wi-Fi for streaming, gaming, and work at 35,000 feet, setting a new industry standard.
Qatar hosted the 30th GCC Committee for Under-Secretaries of Post and Telecommunications meeting in Doha, focusing on enhancing regional cooperation in telecommunications and postal services to support digital transformation and sustainable development in the Gulf states.
EdTech startups in Africa are addressing the growing demand for digital skills, offering innovative solutions like personalized learning, AI-driven platforms, and localized content. These initiatives are helping to close the digital skills gap, preparing the workforce for a tech-driven future while making digital education more accessible across the continent.
Google Wallet is set to launch in Pakistan by January 2025, alongside Egypt and Venezuela, expanding Google’s digital payment ecosystem. The launch is expected to complement existing platforms like Easypaisa and JazzCash, driving competition in the market. New updates to the Wallet ecosystem are also expected to enhance user experience.
Cashee, a mobile banking app for kids and teens, is set to launch in Saudi Arabia. The app, backed by Arab National Bank, offers financial education and a prepaid Visa card to youth aged 6-18. Cashee’s goal is to help young people develop better money management habits.
Bahrain is introducing solar-powered smart parking meters that support digital payments, replacing outdated coin-operated machines. This eco-friendly initiative aims to simplify parking, reduce waste, and enhance urban mobility with user-friendly, cashless options.
The UAE’s Telecommunications & Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has launched the operational phase of its ICT Regulatory Sandbox. This initiative allows new tech products and services in the ICT sector to be tested in a controlled environment before market release. It aims to ensure appropriate legislative responses and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
ZainTECH has secured a commercial license in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in its regional expansion. This move will allow the company to establish regional offices, offering advanced digital solutions in sectors such as IoT, cybersecurity, AI, and cloud services, fully aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
Arab Financial Services (AFS) and Samsung Gulf Electronics have launched Samsung Pay in Oman, marking a key step in the country’s digital transformation. This partnership combines AFS’s expertise in digital payments with Samsung’s technology, offering Omani consumers secure, convenient contactless payments and supporting Oman’s financial ecosystem and regulatory goals.
