Outerbase acquisition will simplify how developers build intelligent, contextual, and reliable AI applications on the Cloudflare Developer Platform DUBAI, UAE,…
Orange Jordan’s 11th season of the BIG program, launched under Orange Digital Centers, is empowering entrepreneurs to establish their startups. Through interactive sessions with investment experts like Fahed Qteishat from Middle East Venture Partners, participants are learning essential skills for attracting investments and transitioning from ideation to practical implementation in Jordan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The GCC region is leading globally in digital government services, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE driving citizen satisfaction and embracing AI-powered solutions. A report by BCG highlights the high trust in AI and the region’s commitment to digital transformation, aiming to meet rising citizen expectations and enhance public service quality.
Saoud Hamad Al Riyami has been appointed Acting CEO of Ooredoo Oman, effective 27 February 2025, succeeding Bassam Yousef Al Ibrahim. Al Riyami, with over 18 years of experience, is currently the Chief Business and Wholesale Officer at Ooredoo Oman. He will serve in the acting role until a permanent CEO is named.
**Bangladesh Satellite Company Explores Partnership with Starlink to Accelerate Market Entry**
Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL), the country’s exclusive satellite provider, recently held discussions with Starlink officials to explore partnership opportunities aimed at fast-tracking Starlink’s entry into the Bangladesh market in the coming months. The meeting took place on Sunday, as reported by the Daily Star.
BSCL proposed a strategic collaboration, offering services such as sales and marketing, post-sales customer support, distribution of Starlink kits, and revenue collection through its banking channels. Additionally, the proposal includes hosting Starlink’s gateway at BSCL’s ground stations in Gazipur and Betbunia.
The BSCL also highlighted the advantages of its infrastructure for a potential Starlink partnership, including uninterrupted power supply, redundant fiber connections, 24/7 maintenance, and highly secured facilities.
In a related development, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Prof Muhammad Yunus, held an online meeting with SpaceX and Starlink CEO Elon Musk last month to discuss the possibility of bringing Starlink services to Bangladesh. BSCL’s managing director, Muhammad Imadur Rahman, mentioned that Yunus aims to launch Starlink services by May 2025.
Discussions between BSCL and Starlink have been ongoing since May 2023, with successful tests of Starlink kits conducted in Dhaka, Rangpur, Hatia, and the Bay of Bengal.
On the regulatory front, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) began working on guidelines last year to regulate LEO and MEO satellite broadband service providers, including provisions allowing wholly owned foreign companies to obtain licenses. The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology has also proposed a 25% rebate on fees for foreign satellite companies partnering with local operators. The first draft of these guidelines was completed in October 2024, but they have yet to be finalized.
Airtel Africa has partnered with Fally Ipupa, Diamond Platnumz, and Simi to promote smarter data usage among young customers. The #SmartaWithData campaign offers educational tips and encourages users to optimize their data bundles for a better digital experience.
Standard Chartered Pakistan has launched the 7th Cohort of its Women in Tech Accelerator, aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs by providing mentorship and funding. Over the past six years, the program has supported over 140 women founders and helped 43 secure seed funding.
Fils, a UAE-based digital infrastructure provider, has teamed up with Arab Financial Services (AFS) to promote sustainable practices and climate action across the Middle East and North Africa. This partnership leverages Fils’ fintech technology and AFS’s digital payments expertise to integrate sustainability into business operations, financial transactions, and customer journeys.
du has partnered with Ignyte, a DIFC-backed digital platform, to accelerate AI innovation and support UAE startups. The collaboration offers mentorship, funding, and digital solutions to enhance SME growth and digital transformation. It also strengthens du’s role in fostering a sustainable, innovative ecosystem for entrepreneurs.
QIIB has launched a digital platform for managing Letters of Credit, making it the first bank in Qatar to do so. This platform enables businesses to submit, track, and manage LCs online, enhancing efficiency, compliance, and security. Available 24/7, it also offers real-time updates and cost savings for customers.
