The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supported 215 digital startups worth $7 billion in H1 2024, achieving 212% YoY growth. They trained 243 Emiratis under the ‘Create Apps in Dubai’ initiative and organized 12 international roadshows. The chamber signed four MoUs to enhance Dubai’s digital business ecosystem and promote industry growth.
Savic has facilitated Gulftainer’s migration from SAP S/4HANA 2020 on Azure to RISE with SAP S/4HANA on Azure, enhancing operational capabilities. This project underscores Savic’s expertise in digital transformation, optimizing core operations, and setting new industry standards, ensuring Gulftainer’s agility, improved customer service, and better decision-making in a dynamic market.
Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) reported a 62% increase in H1 net income to AED269 million, despite a 3% revenue drop. EBITDA surged 25%, driven by growth in key segments. Yahsat’s strong cash position and future contracts secure long-term financial stability amid strategic pivots and upcoming satellite launches.
Salam, a leading Saudi telecom provider, has partnered with Oracle in a managed services agreement to boost its digital transformation. Oracle will support Salam in improving operational efficiencies and customer experience, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The collaboration includes implementing Oracle’s cloud solutions and enhancing 5G capabilities.
Bahrain and Qatar have achieved significant increases in 5G download speeds, with Bahrain leading at 52.4 Mbps and Qatar at 48.8 Mbps, according to OpenSignal’s report. The GCC countries overall show impressive mobile network performance, particularly in 5G, with substantial gains in download speeds and strong network availability.
The Saudi Data and AI Authority has launched new technical infrastructure projects and data centers in Riyadh. These state-of-the-art centers, built to UPTIME Institute standards, aim to boost capacity and efficiency. The initiative supports SDAIA’s strategy for sustainable data centers with advanced electrical and mechanical systems.
Samsung Gulf Electronics has launched Samsung TV Plus in the UAE, a free ad-supported TV service available on 2022-2024 Samsung TV models. The platform offers diverse live channels and content, including news, sports, and entertainment, aiming to enhance customer experience with 24/7 access in both English and Arabic.
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.
Batelco has launched Basma, an AI-powered digital assistant designed to enhance customer experience. Available 24/7 in English and Arabic, Basma assists with bill inquiries, usage tracking, package installments, and more. This initiative marks a significant step in Batelco’s digital transformation and technological advancement in Bahrain’s telecom sector.
Mawhiba has partnered with UNESCO to enhance STEM education for 6th to 12th-grade students in Arab countries. The initiative focuses on empowering Arab girls and young women, training science teachers, and creating a global platform for science fairs, aiming to tackle global challenges and promote sustainable development.
