Ooredoo Group chaired the third International Institute of Communications (IIC) MENA Chapter meeting in Bahrain, focusing on regulatory frameworks for AI, Cybersecurity, and IoT. Discussions highlighted the need for collaboration to address regulatory challenges and unlock the potential of emerging technologies, with a significant focus on a transformative IoT Whitepaper.
Zain Bahrain discloses Q1 2024 financials, revealing a 25.3% decline in net profit but a 7.4% revenue surge, driven by innovative data solutions. Despite challenges like start-up costs for its Fintech subsidiary, the telecom giant launches Bede, a Shariah-compliant Fintech Mobile App, and upgrades its 4G network for improved user experiences.
The Generative AI Hackathon in Amman, Jordan, hosted by Jordan Source and MENADevs, showcased AI’s potential to drive economic growth and innovation. Aligning with Jordan’s digital ambitions, the event attracted 200 professionals across various sectors, emphasizing the country’s commitment to becoming a hub for high-tech investments and entrepreneurship.
AIx, a subsidiary of Emaar Groups in Oman, has launched AIx GPT, the country’s first advanced large language model. This AI innovation delivers rapid response capabilities and operates efficiently on consumer hardware, significantly advancing Oman’s digital transformation and enhancing various industries from healthcare to public services.
Workz has launched a new eSIM solution for the IoT industry, designed to manage devices more efficiently and broaden market access. Based on the GSMA’s new eSIM standard, SGP.32, this solution enhances device connectivity and reduces operational costs, poised to significantly impact the rapidly growing eSIM IoT market.
The Fibre Connect Council MENA (FCC MENA) and the FTTH Council Europe have signed a collaboration agreement to accelerate FTTH network deployment in the MENA region and beyond. This partnership focuses on sharing resources and expertise, driving innovation, and facilitating networking and knowledge exchange between their members.
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.
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.
