Well-educated workforce is more likely to lead to economic development and job creation. EIU analysis shows: For every 10 percent increase in school connectivity in a country, GDP per capita increase by 1.1%.

Saudi Payments, under the supervision of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) announced the launch of Saudi Arabia’s instant payments system ‘sarie’ in cooperation with IBM and Mastercard. This collaboration marks a key milestone for payments innovation in the region and is aligned with Saudi Payments’ aim to improve the Kingdom’s financial ecosystem.

Digitalisation and a shift in consumer preferences during the pandemic has disrupted the industry across the Middle East and this trend appears poised to grow. According to the International Data Corporation, the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) region is expected to spend US$20 billion on digital transformation initiatives this year and up to US$40 billion by 2022.

Ten startups will be selected to participate in the Program that will give them access to expert-led masterclasses covering scaling fundamentals – from the business model canvas, and lean methodology, to fundraising.

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has kick-started Operation 300bn – its ambitious strategy to expand the UAE’s industrial sector – with a series of meetings with local government entities in Sharjah and Ajman.