du has welcomed its second cohort of Emirati graduates into the Future X graduate trainee program, enhancing youth empowerment and digital skills in line with the UAE’s vision for a leading digital economy. The program focuses on areas like Artificial Intelligence and digitization, fostering a future-ready workforce.
Arthur D. Little’s report highlights Bahrain’s potential in video games and renewable energy. The gaming sector is the second fastest-growing in the Gulf, while renewable energy investments are surging. Bahrain’s strategic position in cloud services, financial transparency, real estate, and manufacturing further enhances its investment appeal.
Astra Tech has launched a ‘Send Now Pay Later’ service on its BOTIM app in the UAE, a first in the MENA region. This service allows instant international transfers with deferred payment options, aiming to transform financial transactions and enhance user flexibility.
A KPMG report reveals that 89 percent of UAE tech leaders are confident in their current technology’s ability to drive business growth, surpassing global peers by 16 percent. The report highlights a focus on AI, ESG, and XaaS technologies, with strong belief in AI’s ROI. Additionally, tech leaders prioritize employee satisfaction and cybersecurity. Challenges include data management and legacy tech limitations. The UAE envisions a digital evolution reshaping various industries in line with its centennial 2071 ambitions.
Google for Startups has launched the ‘AI Academy’ in Pakistan to foster Artificial Intelligence development across Asia-Pacific. This initiative, part of the Google Chromebook project, aims to establish Pakistan as a key AI hub through innovative partnerships and educational programs, including providing 1,000 scholarships to university students.
Bahrain achieved an 89% digital transformation rate in 2024, completing over 4 million eGovernment transactions. Key advancements include expanding eServices to over 700, reducing costs by 75%, and launching new systems like Sijilat 3.0. These efforts reflect Bahrain’s commitment to digital transformation and service quality improvement across all societal sectors.
The Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) in Saudi Arabia has introduced comprehensive regulations for digital content platforms to foster growth and transparency in the sector. These regulations are part of the IGNITE program and aim to create a conducive environment for the market, attract investments, and ensure user protection. The CST expects a significant expansion in the digital content platform market, with a projected 20% CAGR by 2030. Service providers are urged to comply with the regulations by the effective date of October 8, 2024, as Saudi Arabia seeks to position itself as a digital content hub and drive innovation in the sector.
SAP showcased its Business AI and digital transformation solutions at the 11th eGovernment Forum in Kuwait, aligning with the country’s Vision 2035. Managing Director Sundus Boushehri emphasized the role of AI in enhancing government operations, while SAP also reinforced its commitment to developing digital skills through partnerships with local educational institutions.
Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by government support and digital innovation. The sector is projected to reach €12.222 billion by 2023, with significant contributions from SMEs. This expansion aligns with the country’s broader economic transformation goals, positioning Saudi businesses as key players in the global digital marketplace.
Key Giveaways: Dubai, UAE – Zand, the UAE’s first all-digital bank, and Paymentology, a leading card-issuing technology provider, have announced a…
