Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
du reported a strong first quarter in 2024, with revenues rising to AED 3.58 billion and net profit up by 62.7% to AED 603 million, driven by significant EBITDA growth. The telecom giant also launched “du Pay,” advancing UAE’s digital and financial inclusion, and continued investing in 5G and fiber infrastructure.
Presight AI Holding has acquired a 51% stake in AIQ, enhancing its lead in AI and energy sectors in the UAE. This strategic move integrates AIQ’s AI solutions with Presight’s big data analytics, aiming to boost operational efficiencies and expand market offerings, significantly increasing value across involved entities.
Potraz, Zimbabwe’s telecommunications regulator, is set to intensify its crackdown on online hate speech and cyberbullying. Announced by Director General Dr. Gift Machengete, the initiative will utilize the Data Protection Act to restrict harmful sites and target anonymous users involved in these offenses, enhancing online safety.
European software company Ice Warp has announced a multimillion-dollar investment to develop a state-of-the-art data warehouse in Karachi, Pakistan, in partnership with HexaLys. This initiative marks Ice Warp’s entry into Pakistan, aiming to provide advanced data services and enhance digital sovereignty and privacy for local businesses.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi inaugurated Egypt’s Government Data and Cloud Computing Center, known as P1, along Ain El Sokhna Road. This center, focusing on big data analytics and AI, represents a pioneering initiative in Egypt and North Africa, enhancing the region’s technological infrastructure.
The 33rd COMEX Global Technology Show, hosted by Oman’s MTCIT in collaboration with the Arabian Research Bureau, will take place from May 27 to 30, showcasing Oman’s digital advancements. The event will feature over 100 emerging Omani tech companies and include forums to discuss digital transformation and investments.
LORIOT partners with Jordan IoT to accelerate IoT deployment in Jordan, aiming to meet the growing demand projected to reach US$6.68 billion by 2028. This strategic alliance focuses on enhancing sectors like smart utilities and agriculture, and is poised to drive innovation and digital transformation in the Middle East.
The 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2024) introduces a pioneering digital payment system, making it the first cashless book fair in the Arab world. This innovative system enhances transaction efficiency, supports international exhibitors, and uses AI to monitor crowd movement and sales trends at the fair.
Ooredoo reported a 5% decrease in Q1 2024 net profits, with earnings at QAR 912.93 million, despite a 4% revenue increase to QAR 5.86 billion. The telecom company also announced a dividend of QAR 0.55 per share and aims to boost stakeholder value through strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies.
Intigral, a media arm of stc Group, partners with Beyond ONE to provide stc tv services to Virgin Mobile KSA, marking a significant expansion in the MENA region. This alliance enhances digital entertainment offerings, allowing subscribers to enjoy a wide range of content and personalized viewing packages.