Dubai-based Holo secured pre-Series A funding to expand its digital mortgage platform in the UAE and GCC, starting with Saudi Arabia. The platform offers mortgage comparisons and application assistance, earning revenue from banks for client referrals. The funds will support regional growth and product expansion.
AWS executive Kevin Miller emphasizes the UAE’s potential as a global tech leader, driven by AI models like Falcon. The UAE’s focus on AI and foundational research, combined with regional investments, fosters digital transformation and innovation, positioning the Middle East as a significant player in global technology.
The UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) launched Transform 4.0, an initiative under Operation 300bn to fast-track digital transformation in manufacturing. The programme aims to support 100 manufacturers in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, enhance sustainability, and position UAE-based manufacturers as global leaders in digital transformation.
Smart home devices are booming in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with six million devices integrated into Alexa users’ lives. In 2023, users initiated 130 million smart home actions and 100 million music requests. The region saw a 50% YoY increase in smart home customers and a 90% increase in connected devices.
Telecom Egypt has secured a $200 million medium-term loan from Banque Misr UAE to refinance short-term facilities. The five-year loan will be repaid using foreign currency revenues, enhancing the company’s liquidity and aligning with its proactive capital expenditure strategy to mitigate forex risks.
Zain Group and Omantel have announced a new initiative to standardize glasses-free 3D technologies, leveraging 5G and AI. Unveiled at the Samena Telecommunications Council Leaders’ Summit 2024, this initiative aims to enhance user experiences and create new business opportunities across various sectors in the Middle East.
UAE telecommunications company du has partnered with STL, an optical and digital solutions provider, to expand fibre-dense mobile and FTTH networks. This collaboration will enhance network performance and deployment efficiency. The UAE continues to lead globally in FTTH penetration, achieving a 99.3% rate, according to the latest FTTH Council report.
The 5G-Advanced Leaders’ Forum in Dubai highlighted the transformative potential of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology. Industry leaders discussed the enhancements in network efficiency, coverage, and performance, and emphasized its role in driving digital innovation across sectors. The UAE announced plans for nationwide 5G-A deployment, reinforcing its commitment to technological advancement.
Dubai’s du and HPE have partnered with the Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) to implement HPE GreenLake, enhancing CBD’s hybrid cloud capabilities. Hosted in du’s Tier III data centres, this solution aims to improve IT efficiency, security, and customer experience while supporting CBD’s five-year strategic digital transformation plan.
UAE’s Yahsat has restored Thuraya satellite services in parts of Southeast Asia and China by reconfiguring its Thuraya 2 satellite after Thuraya 3 experienced an anomaly. However, service remains unavailable in the Asia-Pacific region east of Thuraya 2’s footprint.
