Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has enhanced its customer service with generative AI and ChatGPT through its virtual employee, Rammas. Since its upgrade in April 2023, Rammas has handled over 9.6 million enquiries, achieving 95% customer satisfaction. DEWA is the first utility globally to use generative AI for customer engagement.
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has announced a strategic partnership with Array Innovation to enhance its Industry 4.0 digitalization efforts. This collaboration will deploy advanced AI and data analytics solutions to optimize operations, improve efficiencies, and align with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 by investing in local talent.
Basata has increased its stake in MadfoatCom to 25%, reinforcing its role in advancing digital payments and financial inclusion in Jordan. This collaboration, alongside Jordan Kuwait Bank and the Social Security Investment Fund, will drive innovative payment solutions for businesses and consumers, focusing on SMEs.
Hans Wijayasuriya has resigned as Axiata Group’s executive director and CEO to become chief adviser on digital economy initiatives for the Sri Lankan government, effective January 15, 2025. He praised Axiata’s contributions to digitalization while expressing gratitude for his 30-year association with the company.
Algeria’s “Switch mobile” project enables instant interbank transfers and account-to-account payments via QR codes, connecting bank and Algeria Post applications. This initiative, part of the National Electronic Payment Strategy, aims to enhance financial inclusion and modernize payment methods in Algeria.
Ooredoo Qatar has launched “Ooredoo Flow,” a location analytics platform powered by the TASMU Platform. It processes over 200 million data points daily from 4.3 million devices, providing businesses with insights into demographic trends like age and commuting patterns. The platform ensures privacy and complies with Qatari regulations.
ZTE has significantly contributed to the digital transformation of Africa and the Middle East, enhancing telecom networks with 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies. Its innovative solutions bridge the digital divide, promote sustainable development, and improve connectivity across rural and coastal regions. ZTE continues to drive economic growth through strategic collaborations.
Orange and Eutelsat have partnered to provide satellite-based broadband connectivity in underserved regions of Africa and the Middle East. The initiative will enhance digital inclusion by offering high-speed internet access to remote areas, initially covering Jordan, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with future expansions.
Pakistani custom software companies, including Koder Labs and 10x Engineers Technologies, made a strong debut at the 26th China International High-tech Fair (CHTF) in Shenzhen. The event highlighted Pakistan’s growing IT sector, with exhibitors showcasing innovations in digital solutions and fostering global partnerships, particularly in fintech and chip design.
Bayanat and Yahsat have successfully launched their first LEO SAR satellite, developed in collaboration with ICEYE. This satellite, part of a larger SAR constellation, will enhance geospatial monitoring across the Middle East, offering near real-time imaging for disaster management, maritime surveillance, and smart mobility, underpinning the upcoming merger into Space42.
