du has launched educational initiatives, including a Robotics Workshop and the “Skillpreneurship” program, to enhance technological skills and innovation among the youth in the UAE. These programs, organized by the du Youth Council, aim to empower young people through hands-on learning and entrepreneurial opportunities, aligning with du’s commitment to digital transformation and youth empowerment.
Kuwait has launched securities-based crowdfunding platforms to diversify financing for small projects through licensed digital platforms. This initiative, led by the Capital Markets Authority, marks a significant step in advancing Kuwait’s financial markets, promoting fairness, competitiveness, and transparency, and supporting the country’s digital infrastructure and entrepreneurial growth.
Arab Financial Services (AFS) and Samsung Gulf Electronics have launched Samsung Pay in Oman, marking a key step in the country’s digital transformation. This partnership combines AFS’s expertise in digital payments with Samsung’s technology, offering Omani consumers secure, convenient contactless payments and supporting Oman’s financial ecosystem and regulatory goals.
Qatar’s computing sector is set to generate $65.5 million in revenue in 2024, with a projected growth to $82.92 million by 2029. The country is advancing digital innovation and transformation, driving demand for digital skills in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software development. Google Cloud’s presence further supports this growth trajectory.
Oman’s postpaid mobile subscriptions rose by 9% in the first half of 2024, reaching 1.89 million, while prepaid subscriptions dropped by 4.5%. Fixed internet subscriptions grew by 6.5%, but fixed-line subscriptions declined by 21.7%. Muscat led in fixed analogue lines, despite a 71.1% drop in this category.
Maroc Telecom invested 3.2 billion dirhams in the first half of 2024, marking a 9.8% increase from the previous year. The investment fueled a 5.1% rise in subscribers to 78.4 million. Despite a slight dip in revenue and EBITDA, the group’s adjusted net income grew by 0.3% to 2.94 billion dirhams.
Khalifa University’s RIC2D, through Intratomics, has partnered with LOLC Advanced Technologies Australia to develop and produce graphene-related products. The collaboration includes establishing a state-of-the-art production facility in Abu Dhabi, focusing on sustainable materials and supporting the UAE’s economic diversification through advanced materials like Graphene Oxide and Graphite derivatives.
Ooredoo has launched new Maktabi packages, offering an all-in-one business communication solution for small businesses in Oman. Starting at OMR 29.5 per month, these packages include high-speed internet, mobile and fixed-line communication, security solutions, Microsoft 365, TallyPrime, and 24/7 smart CCTV surveillance to support SMEs and SoHos in achieving their business goals.
Qatar Development Bank (QDB), in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Agency, launched the “Cyber Security Manual for SMEs” to enhance cybersecurity awareness and provide practical guidelines for small and medium-sized enterprises in Qatar. The manual addresses common cyber risks, basic security controls, and employee training, aiming to strengthen the national entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Damac Capital, the investment arm of Damac Group, reports strong ROI from its strategic investments in SpaceX and Stripe. These investments highlight the group’s commitment to advancing global technology and innovation. Damac Capital is also expanding into AI, supporting high-growth companies poised to lead in their industries and drive global economic progress.
