Egypt’s Ministries of Communications and Information Technology and Culture have signed an agreement to digitize over 11,300 National Library books for the “Egypt Digital Heritage” platform. This initiative aims to enhance Egypt’s digital cultural content and expand access to the nation’s rich heritage through modern technology.
Jordan’s Alzheimer’s Patients’ Aid Society, under HRH Princess Muna Al Hussein’s patronage, launched “Eye Locate,” a pioneering iris recognition technology to help locate and reunite dementia patients who wander from home. Developed with Public Security, IrisGuard, and NatHealth, this initiative enhances public safety and offers hope to affected families.
Pakistani startup PostEx, specializing in financial and logistics solutions for online merchants, is expanding into Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The company, which facilitates transactions and manages cash flow for e-commerce businesses, aims to support regional growth by providing upfront payments against cash on delivery orders and enhancing logistics.
A Hays study reveals that Middle East tech professionals are more likely to use and train with AI than their European counterparts, with 56% using AI compared to 28% in Italy and 29% in France. The study highlights the region’s strong desire for AI training, presenting a competitive advantage for Middle Eastern companies.
A Hays survey reveals that the Middle East leads Europe in AI adoption, with 68% of GCC tech professionals citing increased productivity from AI. Despite this, only 24% have received AI training, highlighting a regional advantage in tech talent. The UAE is at the forefront, embracing AI and other advanced technologies.
Smartphone shipments in the Middle East (excluding Turkey) grew by 20% in Q2 2024, reaching 11.5 million units. Samsung led with a 28% market share, followed by Xiaomi with 20%, and TRANSSION with 16%. The region saw strong growth in key markets, with significant contributions from affordable models and strategic pricing.
Mastercard has partnered with Scale to accelerate fintech growth across Africa and the Middle East. The collaboration aims to eliminate technical and commercial barriers for fintechs, PSPs, and telcos, enabling them to focus on core business and launch new products efficiently. The partnership benefits financial institutions, merchants, governments, and consumers by enhancing financial inclusion and access to digital services.
Tether has invested $3 million in Kuwait’s Kem App to expand digital financial services in the Middle East. This partnership aims to boost regional adoption of USD₮ and enhance access to decentralized finance. The collaboration marks a significant step in transitioning the Gulf region into a digital cash economy, promoting financial inclusion and stability.
In Jordan, youths aged 15-24 make up 20% of the population, totaling 2.3 million. The Department of Statistics revealed a low economic participation rate and high internet usage among this group, emphasizing demographic distributions and technological engagements in recognition of International Youth Day.
Jordan’s “Jordan Source” programme, led by Minister Ahmad Hanandeh, promotes the country as a prime destination for tech investment, focusing on IT outsourcing, support services, and video game development. The initiative aims to attract global companies, create jobs, and enhance Jordan’s IT sector, with successful engagements in Singapore and global tech events.
