Saudi Arabia significantly contributed to a 44% increase in e-commerce orders across the MENA region during the 2024 festive season. The growth was driven by mobile shopping, cultural events, and gifting, with mobile commerce leading the way. The region’s e-commerce market is expected to reach $50 billion by 2025.
e& reported Q3 2024 revenues of AED14.4bn, a 10% YoY growth, and AED42.7bn for nine months, up 9%. Strategic acquisitions and a growing global footprint mark its transition to a global technology leader, enhancing its digital and enterprise solutions across new markets.
Zain Group and Ericsson have renewed their partnership to enhance sustainability in telecommunications. The extended Memorandum of Understanding focuses on building energy-efficient networks, achieving significant energy reductions, and promoting responsible e-waste disposal, all while supporting Zain’s transition to Net Zero.
Jordan and Kazakhstan have signed a memorandum of cooperation to enhance digital transformation, focusing on e-government, smart infrastructure, health tech, and cybersecurity. The partnership aims to foster innovation, support startups, and accelerate digital solutions in both countries, marking a significant step in global digital collaboration and economic development.
Grameenphone has extended its partnership with Edotco Bangladesh through a multi-year leasing agreement, supporting network expansion efforts to enhance coverage and digital access, even in remote areas. This collaboration strengthens Grameenphone’s infrastructure and contributes to Bangladesh’s digital empowerment goals.
stc Bahrain and the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) have signed an MoU to implement an IoT-based electronic waste transportation monitoring system in Bahrain. This initiative aims to strengthen pollution control, ensure compliance with waste transportation licensing, and support the country’s environmental sustainability and waste management goals.
A delegation from Bahrain, led by Bader Hood Al Mahmood, attended the 26th GCC Ministerial Committee Meeting on Transportation in Doha. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in land and maritime transport, discussing key topics such as the GCC Railway Authority and green corridor initiatives for ports.
YouMakr.ai has launched in Bahrain to advance medical education with AI, offering tools that transform lectures into interactive MCQs and simulations, aimed at improving learning for medical students and educators across the Middle East.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) will grant 5G permissions to telecom companies within a week of their application submission. NTA confirmed that the necessary 21 MHz frequency could be provided. Currently, Nepal Telecom has tested 5G, while Ncell has delayed testing due to infrastructure investment concerns.
Bangladesh leads mobile money adoption in South Asia, with 224.5 million registered users in 2023. Mobile financial services like bKash are driving financial inclusion, facilitating remittances, and offering a range of services. The sector has shown remarkable growth, with mobile money contributing to economic development and financial access for all.
