logo
Al Fardan Exchange Deepens Ties with Pakistani Community in the UAE via Upgraded Consulate Centre - Middle East Business News and Information

Al Fardan Exchange Deepens Ties with Pakistani Community in the UAE via Upgraded Consulate Centre - Middle East Business News and Information

Mid East Info3 days ago
Upgraded consulate reopens with self-service kiosk and customer engagement centre powered by Al Fardan Exchange to better serve Pakistani residents in the UAE Remittances from the Pakistani community in the UAE will exceed $7 billion in 2025
29 July 2025, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Al Fardan Exchange, one of the UAE's most trusted and long-standing financial services providers, has supported the renovation and infrastructure upgrades of the Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai. As part of this enhanced experience, the consulate now features a dedicated Customer Engagement Centre powered by Al Fardan Exchange. This joint effort is designed to enhance the consular experience while bringing trusted financial services closer to an estimated 1.6 million Pakistani nationals residing in the UAE.
The newly launched centre includes an on-site self-service kiosk that allows customers to track remittances in real time, conduct digital transactions, and check exchange rates instantly, providing a seamless and convenient experience within the premises . With the consulate serving thousands of visitors daily , this embedded touchpoint delivers critical financial access and convenience to the customers.
His Excellency Hussain Mohamed, Consul General at Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai stated that : 'We are sincerely grateful to Al Fardan Exchange for their generous support in enhancing the Pakistan Consulate's infrastructure. This partnership not only reflects our shared commitment to serving the Pakistani community but also opens new opportunities for improved service and financial inclusion. With over 2,000 people visiting the Consulate daily, this new Customer Engagement Centre will play a vital role in connecting our citizens to secure, efficient, and trusted financial solutions. We look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration in the years to come.'
Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, CEO at Al Fardan Exchange, said: 'We are proud of the deep relationship we share with the Pakistani community, a bond built over five decades of trust. For generations, millions of customers from Pakistan have chosen Al Fardan Exchange as their trusted partner to send their hard-earned money home. This Customer Engagement Centre reflects our ongoing commitment to support them with utmost care, security, and reliability. We are honoured to strengthen this connection and carry it forward for years to come.'
The launch comes amid rising remittance flows, with UAE-based Pakistanis sending over USD 6.7 billion in 2024. That number is expected to surpass USD 7 billion in 2025 , reaffirming the UAE's role as one of the top global sources of remittances to Pakistan. Between July 2024 and May 2025 alone, Pakistanis in the UAE remitted over $754 million , making the UAE the second-largest source of remittances to Pakistan globally, after Saudi Arabia.
As part of Al Fardan Exchange's omnichannel ecosystem, which includes over 90 branches and the AlfaPay mobile app, the centre embodies the brand's mission to meet customers wherever they are – in person, online, or on the go.
-End-
About Al Fardan Exchange
Al Fardan Exchange is a member of the Al Fardan Group, which has roots stretching back to 1954. Emerging from a seafaring and pearl trading tradition to commercial trade, the Al Fardan name is built on a solid bedrock of security and reliability. Leveraging on the Group's diversified business interests and successful operations in real estate, high-end jewellery and financial services, Al Fardan Exchange holds global reach with trust and credibility as its main ethics.
Established in 1971, Al Fardan Exchange has had the unique opportunity of playing a part in supporting communities who have helped build this nation by helping them bring life to their dreams, both here and in their home countries. Today, Al Fardan Exchange is incredibly proud to serve the UAE's cosmopolitan community through its omni-channel presence, providing financial services via the AlfaPay App and a strong network of over 90 branches across the Emirates. Reinforced by strong relationships with over 150 global corresponding banks, financial institutions, and other financial service providers, Al Fardan Exchange offers secure transactions that firmly place reliability and trust at the forefront.
Al Fardan Exchange's mission is to redefine global money transfer and payment services by leveraging cutting-edge technology, a robust branch network, and superior customer service. The company upholds values of integrity, innovation, commitment, collaboration, and connectivity (financial inclusion). To learn more about Al Fardan Exchange, visit alfardanexchange.com
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ministry of Tourism Raises Tour Guide Fees This October
Ministry of Tourism Raises Tour Guide Fees This October

CairoScene

time10 hours ago

  • CairoScene

Ministry of Tourism Raises Tour Guide Fees This October

Tour guides working a full eight-hour day will earn EGP 1,800, while half-day shifts covering four consecutive hours will bring in EGP 1,100. Aug 01, 2025 Starting in October, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities will increase the official fees paid to licensed tour guides, setting new minimum rates for their guides working a full eight-hour day will earn EGP 1,800, while half-day shifts covering four consecutive hours will bring in EGP 1,100. These adjustments come after a previous rate update in 2023, when the full-day fee stood at EGP 1,000 and the half-day at EGP 600. The government's directive is intended to be enforced through official channels, with penalties possible for tour operators or agencies that fail to comply. The decision was coordinated with key industry groups representing tour guides and travel companies. Tourism remains central to Egypt's economy, contributing an estimated USD 32.2 billion in 2024, or about 8.1% of the country's GDP. Egypt also welcomed a record 15.7 million international visitors in 2024, a notable increase from the previous year.

e& reports 60.7% increase in consolidated net profit, reaching AED 8.8 billion in H1 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
e& reports 60.7% increase in consolidated net profit, reaching AED 8.8 billion in H1 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information

Mid East Info

time12 hours ago

  • Mid East Info

e& reports 60.7% increase in consolidated net profit, reaching AED 8.8 billion in H1 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information

Q2 consolidated revenue increased to AED 18.0 billion, a 28.1% year-on-year growth Q2 consolidated net profit rises to AED 3.5 billion, backed by 9.7% year-on-year growth Q2 EBITDA reached AED 8.0 billion at a margin of 44.5%, an increase of 22.2% year-on-year Abu Dhabi,July 2025: e& today announced its consolidated financial results for the first half of 2025, reporting continued growth momentum and strategic progress across its business pillars. e&'s performance reinforces the Group's position as a global technology leader, driving digital transformation at scale across regional and international markets. Consolidated revenue increased to AED 34.9 billion, representing a year-over-year growth of 23.3 per cent compared to H1 2024. Consolidated net profit in H1 rose to AED 8.8 billion, up 60.7 per cent from the previous year. EBITDA in H1 reached AED 15.4 billion, a YoY increase of 18.8% with EBITDA margin of 44.1 per cent. The Group's subscriber base grew to 198 million globally, marking a 13.1 per cent increase year-over-year. In the UAE, e& UAE subscribers reached 15.5 million, driven by rising demand for advanced connectivity solutions, AI-powered services, and tailored digital experiences that address the evolving needs of both individuals and businesses. Key Financial Highlights for H1 2025 H1 2025 H1 2024 % Change Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % Change Consolidated Revenue AED 34.9 billion AED 28.3 billion 23.3% AED 18.0 billion AED 14.1 billion 28.1% Consolidated Net Profit AED 8.8 billion AED 5.5 billion 60.7% AED 3.5 billion AED 3.2 billion 9.7% EBITDA AED 15.4 billion AED 12.9 billion 18.8% AED 8.0 billion AED 6.6 billion 22.2% Earnings per Share AED 1.01 AED 0.63 60.7% AED 0.40 AED 0.36 9.7% Total Group Subscribers 198.0 million 175.1 million 13.1% 198.0 million 175.1 million 13.1% UAE Subscribers 15.5 million 14.6 million 6.3% 15.5 million 14.6 million 6.3% H.E. Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi, Chairman, e&, said, 'In the first half of 2025, e& continued to strengthen its leadership position, driven by its strategic investments and robust business model. Our continued strong performance reflects our commitment to long-term value creation, with major milestones reflecting the Board's strategic foresight. 'In H1, e& continued its growth trajectory, delivering consolidated revenue of AED 34.9 billion—a year-on-year increase of 23.3 per cent—and achieving consolidated net profits of AED 8.8 billion, up 60.7 per cent compared to the same period last year. Alongside our outstanding financial performance, we maintained our focus on bringing the latest technologies to best serve our customers. We launched the UAE Sovereign Cloud Launchpad alongside AWS and the UAE Cybersecurity Council. This landmark initiative advances national priorities around digital sovereignty, secure AI, and cloud innovation, and is set to unlock enduring value for the nation's digital economy. 'Thanks to the UAE's visionary leadership that inspires us, e& will continue enabling the knowledge economy with responsibility and ambition. We remain committed to shaping resilient, inclusive, and innovation-led societies across the markets we serve.' Hatem Dowidar, Group Chief Executive Officer, e&, said: 'e& delivered strong performance in the first half of 2025, reflecting our agility, innovation, and ability to scale. We preserved the momentum witnessed across our different verticals. Our diverse revenue streams enabled the group to drive financial success and deliver robust operational growth. Revenues in Q2 and H1 increased by 28.1 per cent year-over-year to AED 18.0 billion and by 23.3 per cent to AED 34.9 billion, respectively. Our EBITDA grew by 18.8 per cent to AED 15.4 billion in the first half. These results demonstrate the strength of our transformation strategy and our continued focus on operational excellence and value creation. 'We achieved a series of strategic milestones, including the divestment of Khazna and partial divestment of Airalo during the first half of the year, which enhanced our financial flexibility. In parallel, we introduced the UAE Sovereign Cloud Launchpad, reinforcing our focus on secure, sovereign AI solutions. We also became one of the first companies to earn the 'Tier S' designation under the Dubai AI Seal, a top-level recognition of our leadership in responsible AI development and deployment. Additionally, we advanced our international footprint through the acquisition of Serbia Broadband, while our collaboration with Qualcomm is accelerating 5G evolution and edge AI integration across key industries. 'Our progress was further recognised internationally, with e& named the world's Fastest Growing Brand by Brand Finance. This recognition reflects our bold ambition, customer-centric innovation, and growing global presence. 'As we look ahead, we remain focused on enabling future technologies and delivering lasting impact across the communities we serve.' Key Operational Highlights e&: e& launched the Sovereign Launchpad in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the UAE Government's Cyber Security Council, enabling full data sovereignty and security, supporting the UAE's ambition to lead in digital infrastructure. Valued at over US$ 1 billion, the initiative is projected to contribute more than US$ 181 billion to the UAE's digital economy by 2033. With Qualcomm Technologies e& will work to advance the UAE's digital transformation through edge AI and next-gen 5G solutions focusing on smart gateways powered by AI, extended reality devices, and advanced computing systems, including projects in smart mobility and industrial IoT — all supported by Qualcomm's new engineering centre in Abu Dhabi. e& completed the sale of its 40 per cent stake in Khazna to G42 and Khazna for US$ 2.2 billion (AED 8 billion), as part of a strategic focus on core operations and investment optimisation. A new Business Continuity as a Service (BCaaS) solution was launched as a comprehensive framework which helps entities across government and private sectors assess risks, implement response mechanisms and maintain operational resilience during crises. In early 2025, e& was named the World's Fastest Growing Brand in the Brand Finance Global 500 report. The Group was awarded a AAA brand rating and achieved a Brand Strength Index score of 84.6, placing it among the Top 10 Telecom Brands globally. e&'s brand portfolio value surpassed US$ 20 billion this year. According to Brand Finance 2025, e& also became the Fastest Growing Brand in the Middle East and globally. The Group was ranked among the most valuable and strongest brands in the region. e& was also among the first to be awarded the top-tier 'S Class' rating under the Dubai AI Seal initiative — a recognition of its leadership in AI adoption and infrastructure development. The Group has implemented more than 1,100 AI use cases across telecom, digital services and enterprise solutions. e& Carrier & Wholesale Services opened a new international office in Miami, Florida, following its successful global footprint expansion in London and Singapore. A strategic partnership with Digicel was also announced, aimed at enhancing international voice services across the Americas, becoming the exclusive strategic partner in 24 Digicel markets, managing both inbound and outbound international voice traffic. e& launched a research programme with New York University Abu Dhabi, focused on advancing 6G technologies aiming to bridge academia and industry, offering students early exposure to future communication technologies. e& unveiled an AI and generative AI governance framework developed in collaboration with IBM that supports ethical, safe and transparent deployment of AI technologies across e&'s AI ecosystem. e& also launched the AI Academy, equipping employees with AI skills across foundational, technical and advanced levels. The Group also celebrated the graduation of 25 Emiratis from the fifth cohort of its AI Graduate Programme, bringing the total number of graduates to 284 since its launch in 2021. Led by the Group's Procurement Centre of Excellence, e& received the 'Best Procurement Transformation' Award in recognition of its innovative approach to transforming procurement into a strategic lever for innovation. e& UAE: In partnership with Open Innovation AI, a dedicated AI Lab was launched in UAE to drive the development of homegrown, innovative AI solutions. The lab aims to fast-track experimentation and adoption, while supporting the country's ambition to become a global AI hub by 2031. The company also signed a strategic partnership with the UAE Government's Cyber Security Council to launch the Al Ain Innovation Centre. The UAE set a new global record in fibre-to-the-home network coverage, reaching 99.5 per cent, maintaining its position as the top-ranked country in the world since 2016, according to the annual report issued by the FTTH Council Europe based on 2024 data. e& UAE has contributed to this growth as it holds the highest fixed broadband penetration rate nationwide with an extensive fibre-optic infrastructure spanning over 14.5 million kilometres—equivalent to more than 360 times the Earth's circumference—providing high-speed connectivity to over 2.88 million homes across the country. The UAE also ranks number one globally for overall mobile download speeds, driven by e& UAE's network leadership. According to Ookla, e& UAE is the top-performing operator in both overall and 5G mobile download speeds, reinforcing its position at the forefront of connectivity innovation. A private 5G network for Emirates Steel Arkan EMSTEEL, a first in the region, was deployed and includes advanced network slicing features enabling real-time automation, predictive maintenance, and worker safety monitoring. e& UAE successfully tested the 6 GHz and 600 MHz frequency bands allocated by the UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) services, paving the way for nationwide performance improvements across homes, businesses and the broader digital economy. For the first time in the region, e& UAE commercially launched 5G network slicing solutions for enterprise customers providing reliable, dedicated connectivity tailored to the needs of different industries — from manufacturing and public safety to port operations. An AI-powered drone inspection system for telecom towers, a first-of-its-kind deployment, will now support in enhancing infrastructure maintenance and operational safety. The company published a strategic report titled 'Shaping the Future: e& UAE's Vision for the 6G Era', outlining a forward-looking roadmap for sixth-generation mobile networks. The report envisions a hyperconnected future, where immersive internet experiences and intelligent infrastructure drive smart, inclusive transformation at scale. The next-generation enterprise connectivity platform was launched integrating proprietary technologies such as Trust Net and AI Net, designed to support hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructure in a secure, scalable and efficient manner. In the enterprise space, e& UAE deepened its partnership with Microsoft by rolling out M365 Copilot across its organisation, driving AI-powered productivity and workflow automation. The two entities also co-launched the 'AI for Business Skilling' programme, aimed at equipping UAE small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with essential AI skills and tools for data-driven success. In support of UAE-based SMEs, e& UAE partnered with Aleria, an AI platform provider, to deliver AI-powered decision-making tools tailored to SME needs. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai and e& UAE are working together to explore ways to enhance the use of future technologies in mobility and communications. The collaboration leverages advanced technologies such as 5G, AI, and IoT to improve smart mobility services and deliver solutions that enhance the comfort, safety, and quality of life for public transport users in Dubai. Furthermore, Dubai's RTA has completed the rollout of free Wi-Fi at 17 public bus stations and 12 marine transport stations—part of a broader initiative to enhance the commuter experience by enabling passengers to stay connected via smartphones, tablets, and laptops while in transit. With KATIM, e& will develop secure devices and apps, including the KATIM X3M smartphone and X4 app, to boost encrypted communications and data protection. Kleindienst Group, the developers of The Heart of Europe on Dubai's World Islands will work with e& UAE to enhance their overall experience with cutting-edge digital innovations focused on the luxury hospitality sector. A tailored Hajj communication bundle to support pilgrims during the 1446H/2025 season was launched in partnership with the UAE Office for Hajj Affairs, reflecting the Group's commitment to providing relevant, community-focused services that support seamless communication for travellers during significant events. The Parental Control Service is another example that focuses on enhancing online safety for children — a key step towards promoting digital wellbeing in the UAE and creating a safer digital environment for young users. Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority and e& have partnered to activate early fire detection systems in homes through the installation of an AI-enhanced Hassantuk smart system with direct connectivity to control rooms, enhancing preventive safety standards within homes across Abu Dhabi. As part of its strategic partnerships in H1, e& UAE signed a landmark agreement with Al Ain Football Club, delivering exclusive benefits to Al Ain fans while reinforcing e&'s longstanding support for UAE sports on both national and international stages. As part of its customer-centric strategy, e& UAE's 'Customer Experience Changemaker' initiative has received multiple awards. The system transforms customer feedback into actionable change — categorising issues, identifying root causes, and driving improvements through a dedicated network of internal change agents. By the end of Q1 2025, the company had implemented more than 1,100 enhancements to processes, communications and policies. e& was recognised by Forrester for its outstanding customer experience (CX) transformation. Through initiatives like the 'CX Change Factory', customer journey redesign, and leadership engagement programmes such as 'Customer Hour', e& demonstrated a deep commitment to customer centricity. The company achieved a 20 per cent year-on-year increase in Net Promoter Score (NPS) and developed a predictive model linking NPS to financial outcomes, impressing judges with its ability to tie customer experience directly to business performance. e& life: In H1 2025, e& life continued to drive robust momentum, setting benchmarks across fintech, entertainment, and digital lifestyle sectors, fueled by innovation and AI-driven transformation. In fintech, e& money tripled its total Gross Transaction Value (GTV), reaching over 1.25 million cards issued and more than 1.9 million registered users. Remittance GTV grew by 3.1x year-over-year, cementing its status as a leading digital payments platform in the UAE. On the neobanking front, Wio Bank continued its growth trajectory, significantly expanding its presence among both consumer and SME segments. It was recognised as the Middle East's best digital bank by Euromoney in 2025 and formed a strategic partnership with Network International, empowering SME merchants with enhanced digital credit solutions. In collaboration with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), e& money rolled out IBAN accounts for all customers, allowing users to conduct local transfers and top up balances directly through the app, further enhancing the platform's ability to offer integrated banking services, especially for the unbanked population. This move supports broader financial inclusion goals through secure, no-minimum-balance digital banking and without upfront fees. e& money also announced a strategic partnership with SafeGold, to introduce digitised gold investment products in the UAE — the first offering of its kind in the market. This allows consumers to invest in and save 24-karat gold digitally via the e& money app, starting from just 10 dirhams. Customers can also sell their holdings at any time and instantly credit the returns to their app wallet, making gold investment more accessible and flexible. STARZ ON surpassed 10 million installs, a nearly 5-fold increase compared to the previous year, and added 2.4 million new installs quarter-over quarter. Monthly active users (MAU) reached 660,000, a 2.2x increase over the prior year. The platform further solidified its 'Home-of-Sports' position, securing exclusive rights for IPL and Asia Cup, complimented by UFC and exclusive PFL rights. Additionally, e& life introduced shoppable TV on STARZ ON in partnership with Trendyol, allowing customers to purchase featured products directly from streamed AVOD content. In Q1 2025, evision launched its new evision Studios, marking a strategic expansion into original content production. Among its exclusive Ramadan releases were 'Flavours from the Heart' and 'Coffee & Cartoons', aimed at deepening cultural resonance and audience connection through storytelling. Digital lifestyle also expanded with Careem Technologies' total GTV growing by 117 per cent, and GTV per user rising by 74 per cent over last year. Careem+ members notably contributed over 55 per cent of total GTV, demonstrating significant customer engagement and traction. Careem continued to reach new frontiers in AI, with AI-based agents now automating over 75 per cent of chats. In addition, operations continued to expand food and grocery geographically, with the successful opening of new cities such as Al Ain and Riyadh. e& enterprise: e& enterprise partnered with Emeritus to design an AI training programme for executives and senior management. The initiative aims to bridge AI knowledge gaps, address real-world integration challenges, and empower participants with practical applications and case studies to support enterprise-level digital transformation. In another move to accelerate industry digitisation, e& enterprise partnered with Exeed Industries (a subsidiary of National Holding) on a multi-year programme to digitise Exeed's UAE-based manufacturing plants, including smart factory roadmaps, industrial IoT, digital twins, predictive maintenance, AI for demand forecasting quality control, and energy optimisation — all aligned with ESG integration to reduce carbon impact. The company also launched a new partnership with LifeBot to bring advanced virtual health services to essential sectors and challenging work environments across the UAE. In partnership with Infobip, e& enterprise launched a new Customer Engagement Centre combining its omnichannel capabilities and customer data tools with engageX, e& enterprise's customer experience platform. e& enterprise was named a 'Leader' in the 2025 IDC MarketScape for Gulf Countries Colocation Services. This recognition highlights the company's ability to deliver secure, scalable and regulatory-compliant infrastructure for mission-critical operations, supporting everything from AI and high-performance computing to data-intensive cloud workloads, particularly in highly regulated industries. In addition, e& enterprise was named a 'Major Player' in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) 2025 Vendor Assessment, which assesses the communications platform–as-a-service (CPaaS) market through the IDC MarketScape model. As a key milestone in advancing enterprise AI across the region, e& enterprise with Katonic AI will deliver AI-powered products, next-generation digital solutions, and innovations tailored to the region's unique business needs, leveraging the capabilities of engageX. e& enterprise and Genesys will establish a collaborative framework aimed at transforming customer experience by harnessing AI-driven technologies. With RAIN Technology, e& enterprise will work to transform Operating Room (OR) efficiency in hospitals across the region with the rollout of Orva, the world's first AI-powered voice assistant for the OR. Orva is designed to streamline workflows, enhance care team coordination, and improve real-time documentation and compliance. haifin and Vodacom Business launched 'Saif', a trade finance de-risking platform to help transform South Africa's banking industry. Saif aims to digitise and de-risk trade finance lending by leveraging haifin's proven blockchain and AI-powered platform, which has already prevented over a hundred million dollars in fraud for member banks in the UAE. Beehive ranked among Forbes Middle East's 'Fintech 50 in MENA' list for 2025. The peer-to-peer lending platform provides innovative digital finance solutions for SMEs, financial institutions, and investors across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. With more than 35,000 registered SMEs and investors, Beehive continues to strengthen access to finance for businesses across the region. Beehive was also recognised by Fast Company Middle East's '2025 Brands That Matter' list for its role in bridging finance with transparency and trust. As part of its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance, OneCloud, e& enterprise's cloud platform, is now ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified. These certifications affirm that OneCloud meets globally recognised benchmarks for cloud security and information management, ensuring robust protection for customers' data and digital assets. e& enterprise and Microsoft will focus on accelerating AI adoption across key industries in the MENAT region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye, and Qatar. The collaboration focuses on delivering scalable, industry-specific AI and data analytics solutions powered by Microsoft's Azure platform, including Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning, and Synapse Analytics alongside e& enterprise's hybrid cloud capabilities and advisory services. With Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) e& enterprise will provide Abu Dhabi's industrial sector with access to proof-of-concept solutions, digital readiness assessments, curated training, and a sustainability reporting platform. The partnership also includes expert-led workshops and joint publications aimed at advancing policy dialogue and building a resilient, innovation-led industrial ecosystem. Help AG, the cybersecurity arm of e& enterprise, partnered with Dubai Air Navigation Services to deploy AI-driven threat intelligence, automation, and machine learning, the collaboration aims to proactively safeguard operations and elevate digital resilience. Central to the partnership is Help AG's AI-powered Cloud Security Operations Center (Cloud SOC), providing advanced threat detection, response, and visibility. In recognition of its critical role in strengthening the UAE's healthcare cybersecurity landscape, Help AG received the Strategic Partner Award from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi during the 2025 Healthcare Cyber Resilience Drill. Help AG Saudi Arabia was recognised as 'SASE Partner of the Year' by Palo Alto Networks, underscoring its leadership in delivering secure, scalable, and future-ready SASE solutions across the Kingdom. Bespin Global launched its Holistic Landing Zone (LZ) on AWS Marketplace, offering a secure, scalable, and production-ready cloud foundation built on AWS Landing Zone architecture principles. In addition, Bespin Global's PLS Ultra Service offering is also available on AWS Marketplace, providing comprehensive cloud management and support services. e& international: In a significant strategic move, e& PPF Telecom Group acquired 100 per cent of Serbia Broadband (SBB), one of the largest telecom and media companies in Central and Eastern Europe. The acquisition supports the Group's ambition to scale in key European markets. SBB brings more than 700,000 subscribers across fixed internet and pay-TV services, enhancing e&'s position as a major player in the region. Across the Yettel network, 2025 has seen continued momentum in delivering customer-centric innovation. In Bulgaria, the Yettel mobile app was recognised as the top-rated telecom app in the country, with over 1.5 million downloads and a 4.5-star rating, demonstrating strong customer appreciation for its seamless, fully digital experience. In Hungary, Yettel received Ookla's 'Golden Award' for the fastest mobile network, reinforcing its commitment to digital transformation with faster downloads, reliable connectivity, and smooth video calls for both individuals and businesses. Meanwhile in Serbia, Yettel launched 'Yettel Everything,' a groundbreaking programme developed with Yettel Bank that integrates banking and telecom services into one unified experience. The offering includes monthly cashback, online shopping discounts, a universal card, and the 'Everything for the Road' travel package—featuring roaming data, travel insurance, and Air Serbia VIP benefits—setting a new benchmark for bundled digital services in the region. O2 Slovakia took part in the largest spectrum auction in the country's history, securing 13 blocks across five bands—including newly available spectrum in the 1500 MHz band—with licenses allocated through to 2048. In Saudi Arabia, e&-backed Mobily was recognised by Brand Finance as the Fastest Growing Telecom Brand in the Middle East, with a brand value increase of over 140 per cent in five years (and 26 per cent year-on-year), reaching US$ 2.7 billion. Mobily also won the 'Gold Award' for Excellence in Customer Experience, reinforcing its position as a digital lifestyle enabler through services like Mobily Pay, Mobily Gamer, and Mobily TV. In Morocco, Maroc Telecom (MT) and Inwi (Wana Corporate) signed an expanded partnership to accelerate fibre and 5G rollout. This includes the creation of two joint ventures: UniFiber, aiming to connect 1 million sockets in two years and 3 million over five and UniTower, targeting 2,000 new towers in three years and 6,000 in ten. Phase 1 of the project is valued at MAD 4.4 billion over three years. In Egypt, e& launched the country's first fully digital international remittance service via its mobile wallet, e& cash. Developed with Banque du Caire, the service enables customers in Egypt to instantly receive money from the UAE and Saudi Arabia with no intermediaries or branch visits required. It marks a major step forward in supporting digital financial inclusion. e& Egypt officially launched nationwide 5G services, with e& Egypt activating its 5G network on the same day—a milestone that paves the way for transformative growth across sectors such as education and healthcare, offering faster speeds, broader access, and new digital possibilities. Further expanding its service portfolio, e& Egypt also introduced Wi-Fi calling in collaboration with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, enabling customers to make high-quality voice calls over Wi-Fi networks at standard call rates. PTCL Group continues to strengthen its leadership in Pakistan's digital ecosystem, with PTCL Flash Fiber maintaining its position as the country's #1 FTTH provider, reaching 730,000 subscribers as of May 2025. The successful landing of the 10,000 km Africa-1 Submarine Cable marks a major milestone in Pakistan's digital transformation, enhancing connectivity to global digital hubs and positioning PTCL as the operator of five submarine cables, cementing its role as the nation's connectivity backbone. PTCL Group also earned widespread recognition at the Pakistan Digital Awards 2025, winning six accolades including 'Best Digital Campaign of the Year' for Arshad Nadeem – Seenataan and 'Best Digital Campaign (Small Budget)' for the Zalmi Women's League. Further reinforcing its brand leadership, PTCL secured a triple victory at the Effie Awards Pakistan, winning 'Best in Telco', 'Best in Social Media', and 'Best in Corporate Reputation'. Mobily announced investments exceeding SAR 3.4 billion in digital infrastructure projects, including data centres and submarine cables, underscoring its strategic role in advancing the Kingdom's digital transformation. These investments also support national sustainability goals by building a more reliable, efficient, and future-ready infrastructure. Mobily was also recognised by Brand Finance as the 'Fastest Growing Telecom Brand in the Middle East' over the past five years, a testament to its consistent focus on service excellence and delivering high-quality experiences that meet evolving customer expectations. Further expanding its customer-centric initiatives, Mobily signed an agreement with flynas to allow the conversion of loyalty points from its 'Neqaty' programme to flynas's 'nasmiles' programme, enabling users to enjoy a wider range of travel benefits. In addition, Mobily signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to enhance the digital experience for pilgrims and visitors. This collaboration aims to improve digital services, support the ministry's technical objectives, and contribute to its broader digital transformation agenda. e& capital: e& capital continues to reaffirm its commitment to investing in companies that redefine industries and shape the future, both regionally and globally. In line with e&'s overarching strategy, its portfolio spans key verticals of the Group, including telecom and digital.

DP World ILT20 Season 4 player auction set for September 30 - Middle East Business News and Information
DP World ILT20 Season 4 player auction set for September 30 - Middle East Business News and Information

Mid East Info

time12 hours ago

  • Mid East Info

DP World ILT20 Season 4 player auction set for September 30 - Middle East Business News and Information

The DP World International League T20 Player Auction for Season 4 will be held on Tuesday, 30 September in Dubai. The six tournament teams will each get the opportunity of adding 13 players each (a total of 78 players) to their Season 4 squads at the auction. Players interested in appearing for the Player Auction can register here. The last date of registration is Wednesday, 10 September. The six franchises will have a combined purse of USD 4.8 million to spend at the Player Auction. Details about the available budgets for the teams (including the remaining budgets from their direct signing allotment which can be used in the Player Auction), the auction order and the players list will be shared in due course. DP World ILT20 CEO David White: 'We are delighted to confirm the DP World International League Season 4 Player Auction date – Tuesday, 30 September. The auction is a big milestone for the league as we continue to grow as a world-class T20 tournament. The auction will be a great opportunity for our franchises to add local and international firepower to their Season 4 squads. 'For the UAE players, the ACC Asia Cup 2025 – September 9-28 in the UAE – is a massive opportunity for making a global impression ahead of the Player Auction. The players will have incredible exposure in the continental championship where they will be pitted against some of the top-ranked T20 teams. 'We are also set to play the third edition of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament from later this month which – alongside the Asia Cup – is another platform for the local players to impress ahead of the Player Auction.' The DP World ILT20 Player Auction is the second phase of squads' selection for Season 4. Earlier this month, the teams completed their new signings and retentions – a total of eight players per team. The list of those selections is available below. DP World ILT20 Season 4 – Season 4 squads so far: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders : Alex Hales, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Charith Asalanka, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Sherfane Rutherford and Sunil Narine Desert Vipers : Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson, Max Holden, Sam Curran and Wanindu Hasaranga Dubai Capitals : Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Gulbadin Naib, Luke Wood, Muhammad Jawadullah, Rovmann Powell, Shai Hope and Waqar Salamkheil. Gulf Giants : Aayan Afzal Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Blessing Muzarabani, Gerhard Erasmus, James Vince, Mark Adair, Moeen Ali and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. MI Emirates : AM Ghazanfar, Chris Woakes, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton and Muhammad Waseem Sharjah Warriorz: Johnson Charles, Tim Southee, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Maheesh Theekshana, Saurabh Netravalkar, Sikandar Raza and Tim David The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026. sudha

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store