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Kyndryl

Kyndryl hires Fionnuala Morris as managing director for Gulf, Levant and Pakistan

She joins Kyndryl from Microsoft, where she served as business group leader for the Microsoft Surface business unit in the Middle East and Africa

Turtlefin

Turtlefin partners with Compass Brokers to enhance its distribution capabilities

Through this partnership, Turtlefin will enable Compass’s distribution teams to access the required information and customise proposals for clients

ADAA launches smart app_courtesy Abu Dhabi Media Office

Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority’s new app allows reporting of financial, administrative misconduct

The app maintains user confidentiality and privacy, while aiming to build and sustain trust in the emirate’s financial and economic systems

Technologies

Here are the top technologies that will shape human ambitions in 2023

With digital transformation accelerating at pace, emerging technologies will drive the future development of digital economies across the region

Alibaba

Alibaba plans logistics hub at Istanbul airport, data centre near Ankara

Expanding commerce and cloud-based units are expected to lift the company’s revenue

Jack Ma

Billionaire Jack Ma is giving up control of Ant Group

The company is offering 10 individuals, including the founder, management, and staff, voting rights independently, effectively removing Ma’s control of Ant Group

Big tech targets bond market

Big tech targets bond market for cash to buy back sinking stocks

As an economic downturn looms, the average blue-chip company is expected to be in balance sheet repair mode

Mark-Ackerman-area-VP-for-MEA

Insights: Adding the human touch to AI for better customer experience

Artificial intelligence models can actively mine customer interactions for ideas on how to improve products, services and experiences

Saudi Arabia's central bank launches open banking lab

Saudi Central Bank launches Open Banking Lab

The bank is tracking the development of banks and fintechs to ensure their readiness to launch open banking services in Q1 2023

AstraTech's PayBy disrupts fintech solutions by being the first to receive both the SVF and RPS licences from the UAE Central Bank

Astra Tech’s PayBy receives SVF and RPS licences from Central Bank of UAE

The approvals will enable PayBy to provide seamless fintech solutions for Astra tech’s upcoming app

Amazon cuts 18,000 jobs

Amazon to slash more than 18,000 jobs

The reduction is concentrated in the firm’s corporate ranks, mostly Amazon’s retail division and human resources functions like recruiting

Apple stock loses shine

Apple stock loses shine as market value drops below $2tn

Delays in the production of iPhones and concern that demand is weakening as the economy slows are said to be contributing factors

ToYou_Tabby_Image

Saudi delivery app ToYou joins forces with BNPL platform Tabby

Tabby will enable users to buy as many times as they want from ToYou, with a single bill at the end of the month without interest or fees

NWTN facility at KEZAD

Dubai-based mobility tech company NWTN delivers first batch of EVs

The KEZAD assembly facility is NWTN’s first facility in the UAE

EHS

Emirates Health Services to use metaverse technology to deliver healthcare services

The new initiative aims to promote telemedicine practices in virtual clinics and provide consultation services and medications through robotic pharmacies

Dubai Chamber of Commerce

Dubai Chamber of Commerce launches Cloud Computing Business Group

The group will enable transparent conversations between members, supporting the sector in advocating beneficial policy changes that will in turn enhance its competitiveness

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank launches tokenised, contactless payment method

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank launches tokenised, contactless payment method

Once provisioned, customers can make quick and easy payments with the tap of their wristwatch and instantly view their transaction history in the app

Shunli Wang

Insights: Why public-private partnerships are key to ICT talent cultivation in the Middle East

In the digital economy landscape, ICT skills are vital to support long-term national economic expansion and diversification plans

Sony

Interview: Jobin Joejoe, deputy managing director at Sony Middle East and Africa

Sony is focused on creating a metaverse around entertainment specifically areas such as games, music and sports, says the deputy MD at Sony MEA

Whatsapp

WhatsApp to stop functioning on older smartphones from January 2023

In October, WhatsApp experienced a glitch, making it inaccessible temporarily to thousands of users worldwide

Dubai Chambers WAM

Dubai Chamber of Commerce sets up Fintech & Payments Business Group

Dubai Chamber of Commerce plans to increase the number of economic sectors and activities represented by business groups to 100 by March 2023

Healthcare

Top tech trends transforming the healthcare industry

Georg Schroeckenfuchs, head of Gulf and Saudi Country Group – Innovative Medicines at Novartis Innovation, tells us how technology is enabling innovation in healthcare

DubaiNow

DubaiNow app achieves major milestone, exceeds one million users

The unified platform offers users access to several government and private sector services, including bill payments and fines

Construction

Building green: How the UAE’s construction sector is promoting sustainability

Real estate developers have rapidly embraced the concept of net-zero buildings and accelerated their transition to eco-friendly construction

ftNFT Shop

Dubai’s first-of-its-kind physical NFT shop opens at Mall of the Emirates

Visitors can browse, buy and sell NFTs in person at the store, which opened on December 22

Uber app (Photo Illustration by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Uber transports 2.6 million riders across Qatar during FIFA World Cup

According to Uber, people from 95 countries used its app while visiting Qatar during the tournament

Cybersecurity

How cybersecurity is changing with the advent of the metaverse

Until cybersecurity in the metaverse is strengthened with specific regulations measures, users should be informed of the potential risks associated with using the platform

IGB Majid Al Futtaim

Majid Al Futtaim, Immersive Gamebox to launch interactive digital smart rooms in UAE 

Seven ‘Gameboxes’ will be introduced in two Magic Planet locations in Dubai and Sharjah in January 

digital

Annual digital transformation spending across META region to top $74bn by 2026

Digital transformation investments in the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa are set to more than double across the 2021–2026 period

G42

Abu Dhabi’s G42 Cloud and Dell Technologies sign MoU to accelerate digital transformation

The two companies will work together across various areas including private cloud solutions, as well as consulting, residency and managed services