Founded this year by a group of talented MIT graduates, Intelmatix focuses on Location Intelligence which maps the relationships between spatial, social, economic, and demographic data and makes predictions using AI and advanced analysis, according to a press release.

Anas Alfaris, co-founder and chief executive officer of Intelmatix, said, “Artificial Intelligence offers opportunities worth billions. In the Saudi Arabian market alone, Location Intelligence opportunities exceed SR2 billion annually, and globally, the value is more than SR100 billion each year.”

“The idea of Intelmatix was not born overnight. “Our strategy crystallised through years of collaboration between the R&D sector and the business sector. Then the Saudi Vision 2030 provided the regulatory and technical enablers to support the launch of Intelmatix by providing the ideal innovation environment,” he added.

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia committed to becoming a global leader in AI during a roundtable discussion with Italian technology experts. The Kingdom wants to become a dominant force in the field within the next eight years, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plans and reaffirmed its interest in cooperating with Italy.

AI in the Middle East is expected to grow significantly to exceed SR1 trillion in a decade’s time. The Kingdom alone will account for half of it, where AI will contribute at least SAR500 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030.

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In this regard, Mohammed Akbar Farook, chief executive at JustChain told the media, “NotaryChain represents a new era of accessibility, convenience, and productivity for the notary public. Based on blockchain technology, the platform offers a secure and tamperproof digital alternative to the traditional process of having to hand-deliver and notarise documents. This is in line with the UAE’s national strategy for blockchain as well as the Dubai Paperless Strategy that is being implemented throughout government entities in the emirate.”

Available as a cloud solution, the new platform launched by the UAE-based blockchain startup, provides advanced features including single sign-on using national identity (UAE Pass), digital signatures, electronic seal, integrated artificial intelligence verification for Emirates ID, QR code-based instant verification of notarised documents and more.

It was reported last year that Dubai’s blockchain market is expected to grow substantially in the next five years. The market will grow from Dh35 million in 2018 to Dh437 million in 2025. The blockchain market in Dubai grew by 24 percent in 2018, which is relatively higher than the global average of 19 percent. Reportedly, 1.4 percent of the total blockchain companies in the world are based in Dubai. While there are 8000 registered blockchain companies worldwide, 114 are in Dubai.

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The first phase of the agreement between Huawei and TPay Mobile will see the services being offered in 10 countries in the MENA region.

The partnership will allow local and global developers to monetise their apps and services through HMS’ In-App-Purchases (IAP) kit across the region.

With regard to the partnership with Huawei, Sahar Salama, the Founder and CEO of TPay Mobile told the media, “We are very excited to launch this strategic partnership with Huawei which will equip local and global developers with the tools they need to better monetise their services through In-App-Purchases capabilities. This agreement further extends the value of TPay Mobile for top global merchants who are aspiring to scale their businesses across our region.”

“Developers and online merchants have now an unparalleled access and local know-how, coupled with a trusted, agile, resilient, and scalable payments platform that they can use to scale up their businesses. During the first phase, we aspire to roll out payments in around 10 countries.”

Last month, Huawei announced the launch of its digital OptiX network solutions including Single OptiX, Campus OptiX, and DC OptiX solutions at the Huawei Middle East Digital OptiX Club 2020.

David Shi, President of Enterprise Business Group, Huawei Middle East, said, “Leveraging Huawei’s R&D capabilities in the ICT industry, we are always committed to providing cutting-edge technology and services in the region. Huawei is confident that our Single OptiX, Campus OptiX and DC OptiX solutions will help enterprises in the Middle East sharpen their digital competitive edge through an intelligent optical network foundation.”

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Adnoc’s app provides four secure contactless payment options through its smart application, including Mobile Pay, RFID, ADNOC Plus top-up cards and Emirates ID.

The app launched by Adnoc Distribution allows customers to make payment securely at gas stations. Prior to making payments, the user is required to register for Adnoc Wallet. The user can recharge their accounts and pay directly by choosing the station location, fuel pump number, type of fuel and amount from their digital devices.

Ahmed Al Shamsi, acting chief executive officer at Adnoc Distribution told the media, “There has been a strong adherence to cashless payments and online shopping in the UAE during the current global crisis. Adnoc Distribution’s range of contactless payment methods are designed for convenience and also offer secure ways to pay for transactions with minimal-to-no interaction. We want to ensure that our customers have access to all the necessities they need, in the most convenient and safest way possible.”

Adnoc recently revealed that its Panorama digital command centre generated over $1 billion in business value. The Panorama digital command centre is a key part of Adnoc’s ongoing strategic investment in digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI).

The project will help Adnoc increase efficiency, optimise performance, and respond to complex market dynamics with agility and speed.

Developed in 2018 by Schneider Electric, Panorama digital command centre enables Adnoc to collect data in real-time across the company’s 14 specialist subsidiary and joint venture companies.

Adnoc has also revealed that Panorama has proved to be useful in dealing with the current coronavirus pandemic.

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The deal to buy Help AG will help Etisalat become more resilient and protect its cloud, IoT, AI and big data line of business against sophisticated cyber threats.

The deal between Etisalat and Help AG will also see the creation of the region’s most prominent cyber security unit.

With regard to the acquisition, Salvador Anglada, Group Chief Business Officer at Etisalat told the media, “Help AG has established itself as the region’s trusted security advisor. With cybersecurity playing a fundamental role in all aspects of digital business today, this acquisition fits perfectly into our strategy of being a key enabler of secure, seamless and effective digital transformation for our customers.”

We have full trust and confidence that Help AG’s leadership will effectively add value to our security portfolio and amplify the cyber security capabilities of our clients.”

Last year, Etisalat signed an agreement to acquire Help AG’s business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. During the same period, Etisalat entered into a partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Avanza Innovations to jointly develop a digital platform to digitalise trade in the UAE.

Initially, the platform will focus on addressing the risks of double financing and invoice fraud and later shift its focus to key areas of trade finance.

During the first half of 2019, Etisalat’s subscriber base in the region reached 12.4 million. Its overall subscriber base reached 143 million, which is a 2 percent increase year-on-year.

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