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Oman Data Park and INTRO technology to establish Kemet Data Center in Suez Canal Egypt

Oman Data Park and INTRO technology to establish Kemet Data Center in Suez Canal Egypt

The Oman Data Park, datacentre and cloud service provider, and INTRO Technology, the technology arm of INTRO Holding and the parent company of Advansys and Forte Cloud, a leader in technological solutions and digital transformation, have signed an MOU to establish Kemet Data Center in the Suez Canal Economic Zone which will provide cloud solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) and digital transformation particularly in Africa and Middle East.

Kemet Data Center, which will span 80,000 square meters, is set to be developed in two phases. Strategically located in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, it will serve as a key facility for companies seeking cost-effective cloud solutions, offering scalable infrastructure, faster data processing, and improved latency.

Leveraging Egypt’s advanced infrastructure and its position as a key regional hub, the center will provide a secure and efficient platform for businesses to manage both regional and global operations. Committed to sustainability, Kemet Data center will partially rely on solar energy, reducing its carbon footprint while delivering advanced digital services.

Oman Data Park will provide commercial services, overseeing the center’s design, construction, and management. Advansys, a subsidiary of INTRO Technology, will host the data center’s staff and experts, handling legal procedures, equipment importation, and design through its Center of Excellence. This will expedite the project’s initial phases.

Mamdouh Abbas, Chairman of INTRO Holding, emphasized that the partnership is a crucial step in expanding INTRO Technology’s presence in the Middle East and Africa. He highlighted Kemet Data Center’s role in advancing Egypt’s digital transformation goals as part of its 2030 vision.

Eng. Maqbool Al Wahaibi, CEO of Oman Data Park, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that it will foster innovation and economic growth across the region, providing critical digital solutions to meet the demands of global enterprises.

In early 2024, Oman Sohar port Free zone, signed a deal with Green Data City to develop a multimillion dollar data computing center which will include data mining. The data mining centers would allow for AI and Blockchain data mining as well as crypto. The Data Computing Center in SOHAR Free zone would be used for hosting, processing, and data mining, solidifying their position as a key player in the digital economy, fostering technological innovation and economic growth. The land lease agreement, signed with encryption mining company Green Data City (FZC) LLC, covers the development of a 45,000-square-metre site that will house 20,000 servers from leading manufacturers.

Previously, Oman signed several partnerships for Blockchain, and Bitcoin datacenters with entities such as Exahertz. At the time Dr. Ali Mohammed Tabook, CEO of Salalah Free Zone, underscored the significance of laying down the foundation stone for the Exahertz Blockchain Data Centre at an investment value of $348 million on an area of 312,000 square metres.

Prior to this announcement, Oman Ministry of Transport, Communications, and IT in partnership with Green Data City (GDC) the next generation data blockchain ecosystem, launched the first licensed sustainable crypto mining datacenter in Oman, and the GCC.  The delegation witnessed the first Bitcoin officially mined in Oman using immersive cooling technology which will reduce electricity consumption.

While the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) took part in a $350mn equity round in Crusoe Energy Systems. The US firm helps oil and gas producers cut flaring by using stranded natural gas to power cryptocurrency mining. Crusoe systems set up operations in Oman as well.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Justice to utilize AI and Blockchain for digital transformation project

Bahrain’s Ministry of Justice to utilize AI and Blockchain for digital transformation project

During, the 74th Information and Communication Technology Governance Committee (ICTGC) meeting, chaired by Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive, the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Waqf’s digital transformation project which involves notary services, streamlining processes, for citizens and residents employing Blockchain and AI technology.

The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Waqf’ss digital transformation project was discussed. It involves virtual notary and virtual court hearing. This initiative aims to create a secure platform to enable virtual court hearings digitally as well as virtual notary services, streamlining processes for citizens and residents. It will employ advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain for enhanced identity verification and document confidentiality as well as integrating with the eKey system and government notification system to maximize the use of shared services offered by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA).

The committee also evaluated the Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs’s mobile app project for electric vehicle (EV) chargers, designed to facilitate payment processes at EV charging stations. This project aligns with the ministry’s efforts to develop the infrastructure needed for electric chargers across Bahrain.

The committee examined the electronic animal registration system project by the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, which aims to create a system for registering animals and documenting their health records while automating related procedures. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s digital transformation efforts. This project will be implemented using modern development technologies such as Low-Code platforms.

Bahrain has also been a progressive country in the crypto domain, with Crypto.com being the most recent global crypto exchange to receive a license after Binance.

Abu Dhabi Customs launches Blockchain Trade Chain and signs agreement with CargoX

Abu Dhabi Customs launches Blockchain Trade Chain and signs agreement with CargoX

As promised the Abu Dhabi Customs, during Gitex 2023 launched its expanded version of Invisible Customs System blockchain enabled Trade Chain as well as a cooperation agreement with Blockchain entity CargoX a blockchain platform in the logistics industry.  This advanced platform integrates with global blockchain platforms specialized in trade, providing benefits like improving customs operations performance, enhancing the reliability of information sources, and processing information proactively and quickly through a safe and secure platform.

The platform enhances the capability to monitor shipments, as well as the shipping and clearance procedures. It can also predict delivery times, contributing to reduced effort and costs associated with customs clearance. Furthermore, it facilitates seamless communication with trade partners and enhances supply chain security.

The platform also enhances the speed of data exchange with connected entities and guarantees the confidentiality of data shared with customs authorities and other entities using the platform. This results in a reduction of up to 80 percent in the time and effort required for goods clearance.

Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, said that the launch of the advanced customs platform “Trade Chain” comes within the framework of Abu Dhabi Customs’ ongoing efforts to facilitate trade, bolster security and safeguard society, by adopting advanced technologies to enhance its customs system and consolidate its pioneering position, in line with the directives of the wise leadership, and the economic visions for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, through continuous foresight for the future and keeping pace with innovation in trade facilitation and the opportunities that the Fourth Industrial Revolution technology brings to increase efficiency and effectiveness and save time, effort and cost within all customs transactions, especially through establishing coordinated, effective, integrated and digital border management systems, ensuring invisible customs and governed borders that are both open and secure.

Abu Dhabi Customs, represented by Fahad Ghareeb Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Support Services Sector, also signed an agreement with CargoX on the sidelines of the Trade Chain platform launch at GITEX, represented by Vjeran Ortynski, VP of Business Development.” regarding data transfer via the blockchain platform.

The cooperation agreement aims to establish a framework for implementing blockchain projects and enhancing relations between the two parties to provide better services to Abu Dhabi Customs clients and clear shipments before arrival, as well as exchange expertise and information and meet business requirements and optimal use of the capabilities and expertise of both parties in areas of mutual interest.

Areas of cooperation include benefiting from the use of the Advance Cargo Information System, providing a blockchain data transfer solution to be presented to importers and exporters of goods through maritime ports in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to facilitate the flow of maritime imports and exports.

According to a study conducted by the World Economic Forum, the global market value of blockchain technology in the customs field is expected to grow to $20 billion by 2025, saving up to $200 billion annually in global customs costs.

This is not the first agreement for CargoX in the region. In 2021, The Egyptian government through its Egyptian Customs Authorities, made mandatory Advance Cargo Information (ACI) declarations under its new Egyptian Customs law #207 for all cargo inbound to Egypt. The process is currently managed through the Blockchain enabled National Single Window for Foreign Trade platform (NAFEZA), built by Misr Technology Systems (MTS), where Blockchain enabled platform CargoX was authorized as the blockchain e-documents transfer gateway services provider.

The CargoX Blockchain platform helped the Egyptian government shorten cargo release times from 29 days to under 9 days, reduce import compliance cost from more than 600 USD to under 165 USD, and improve efficiency in cargo import risk assessment, tax revenue collection, and overall cargo flow transparency.

In August 2023, Uganda’s Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Technology Associates & CargoX consortium (TA-CargoX). The MoU aims to establish TradeXchange, a national trade facilitation platform. PACEID’s objective with this strategic technology partnership is to support exporters, resolve trade bottlenecks, easily comply with global trade standards and buttress Uganda’s ambitious goal of doubling its exports by 2026.

The CargoX Platform for Blockchain Document Transfer (BDT) is used by more than 115,000 companies worldwide, and has processed more than 5,3+ million electronic trade documents to date, without noticeable downtimes or operation failures.

UAE Government launches Digital assets registry as one of 6 digital transformation projects

UAE Government launches Digital assets registry as one of 6 digital transformation projects

The UAE Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation, approved 6 transformational projects to enhance the UAE Government’s digital transformation, one of them being the Digital Assets Registry.

The Digital Assets Registry focuses on inventorying the digital assets of the UAE government, their validity, and the entities that own them, and measuring the extent of their use. This is the first registry launched by the federal government for tangible and intangible digital assets.

The meeting which was chaired by Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, the Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, also announced other projects such as Government Technology Package, Government Software Platform, and Digital Project Standards Guide.

Her Excellency indicated that the new projects enhance the UAE’s readiness to play a pivotal role in promising future sectors, ensuring a safe digital transformation in line with future aspirations and directions.

The committee reviewed the UAE Government’s Digital Investment Report 2022 and approved the Digital Readiness Retreat for Government Leaders next June. It was briefed on a number of government’s pilot digital projects from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Ministry of Justice.

Her Excellency Ohood Al Roumi stressed that the first package of government digital transformation projects represents an important step in achieving the goals of ‘We the UAE 2031′ vision for the UAE to be among the top 5 countries globally in Digital Competitiveness Index, Smart Government, as well as strengthen its position in the top 3 countries in digital government services. H.E. Al Roumi noted that the committee is focusing on increasing the readiness and efficiency of digital government services and operations, and preparing proactive digital transformation policies and standards in the UAE government.

Saudi Aramco partners with Blockchain entity Data Gumbo for blockchain innovation in oil and gas sector

Saudi Aramco partners with Blockchain entity Data Gumbo for blockchain innovation in oil and gas sector

Saudi Aramco has signed a memorandum of agreement with Data Gumbo, a US based Blockchain technology company which developed a blockchain as a service platform to streamline smart contracts management for industrial customers. The agreement between Saudi Aramco and Data Gumbo is for Blockchain collaboration over a three year term.

This is not the first time Saudi Aramco has dealt with Data Gumbo. In August 2022, Saudi Aramco’s investment arm Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures made its fourth investment in Data Gumbo series C round where Data Gumbo raised $4million. The round was led by Saudi Aramco Ventures and Equinor, Norway’s energy operator.

As per the Data Gumbo blog post, “ Data Gumbo is proud to announce that on 8 February, 2023 we entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Saudi Aramco for Blockchain Collaboration.  The agreement has a 3 year term. We are honored by the opportunity to deepen our collaboration and look forward to several transformational projects in the coming years.”

The MOU was signed by Mohamed Marzouk, Saudi Arabia Country Manager and Saudi Aramco’s Senior Vice President, Digital and Information Technology Mr. Nabil Al-Nuaim in Riyadh.

As per the agreement the Areas of collaboration will include, accelerating digital transformation within the Oil & Gas Industry, exploring,  identifying and co-innovating blockchain use, improving operational efficiency and driving ROIU with Aramco, its customers and suppliers, providing blockchain training and finally identifying potential applications for managed blockchain services

42 percent of UAE youth and middle aged residents have held crypto, stablecoins and NFTs

42 percent of UAE youth and middle aged residents have held crypto, stablecoins and NFTs

In Checkout.com’s third annual report on digital transformation in MENA for 2022, it found that e-commerce in the UAE had settled into a stable high growth era. The report states that consumers in the UAE are turning to their digital devices and spending more time and money online. Even payment methods are evolving in the UAE with more turning to crypto and digital wallets.

The report confirms that 42 percent of 18-40 year olds in the UAE have held digital assets such as crypto, stablecoins and NFTs, and 59 percent of 18-40 year olds would like to be able to pay for goods and services in crypto or stablecoins in the next 12 months. 

The digital transformation in MENA 2022 report draws insights from a regional survey which polled more than 15,500 consumers in August 2022 in the UAE, KSA, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Pakistan.

96 percent of UAE consumers now shop ecommerce, an increase from 89% from last year. This comes as a testament to the continued consumer demand of the flexibility and comfort to shop online.

According to the report, 4 in 10 consumers in UAE shopped online weekly or more frequently in 2022. Moreover, the eCommerce market in the UAE is expected to grow further over the next 12 months with 80% of UAE consumers saying they will maintain or increase their current level of ecommerce spending into 2023.

75 percent of consumers in UAE cite a digital payment method as their preferred payment option for ecommerce, a near doubling in the popularity of digital wallets compared to figures from 2021.

Moreover, 45% of consumers in the UAE say they used BNPL in the last 12 months, an increase from just 21% who used it the year before, this number is expected to surge further with an additional 27% planning to use BNPL in the coming 12 months.

Preference for social commerce in the UAE more than doubled, reaching 16%. Regionally, 20% of consumers in MENA say they most frequently shop ecommerce in a social media channel which represents a 43% growth in the past 24 months.

Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo, Senior Vice President for MENA at Checkout.com, stated,  “The report validates our conclusions from last year – that the UAE’s eCommerce and digital payment ecosystem is growing rapidly. The UAE is one of the most connected societies in the region and consumers here have achieved a high level of maturity when it comes to eCommerce, they are at the top of eCommerce usage in the region and globally.”

He adds, “Additionally, the growing trust in online payments by shoppers means the digital transformation of the region’s retail sector is well underway. This is underlined by the emergence of Web3 as a key component of the online experience, with shoppers showing a significant appetite for transacting on-chain, and a desire both to be paid and to pay in digital currencies.”