UAE races ahead in 5G speeds as the Kingdom launches COVID vaccine linked passports
Here’s a look at today's biggest tech stories in the MENA+:
- UAE ranks 1st globally in 5G speeds
- Dubai Future Foundation launches Emirati Futurism Award
- DEWA Youth Council hosts 15 virtual events on energy sector
- Dubai recorded $150bn of non-oil trade in 2020
- UAE reopens borders with Qatar, flights set to resume
- Kingdom launches health passports for vaccinated residents
- Digital payments in Saudi Arabia up by 75% in 2020
- 26.25mn Saudis use WhatsApp messaging
- HRDF partners with Jahez to employ Saudi's for delivery jobs
- Direct flights with Qatar set to resume
- 16 SMEs chosen to drive digital transformation of public services
- Abdul Lateef Jameel acquires consumer finance license in Egypt
- Raseedy Wallet partners with Aman for access to 100k POS terminals
- Govt. to utilize AI technology for irrigation projects
- Nawah Scientific raises $1mn in pre-Series A funding
- Govt. launches Special Technology Zones Authority
- Electronic pension system to be launched by the Govt.
- Digital system to monitor prices for essential commodities approved
- SBP to launch Rast payments system
- Shell, K-Electric to develop 1st 3 EV charging stations
Other MENA+ Developments
- MENA: Global Ventures to raise $50mn fund for MENA healthtech startups
- MENA: SME digital service provider Zbooni records 600% growth in 2020
- GCC: Tourism losses in region projected to reach $60bn
- Qatar: QNBPay adds Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay on platform
- Lebanon: Central Bank Governor states currency peg with USD is over
