- MENA Tech 2024: The report examines fintech, edtech, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology in media, highlighting trends and future prospects.
- Contributions from notable figures like Monaem Ben Lellahom and Noha Shaker provide valuable perspectives on MENA’s tech advancements.
- BLJ CEO Justin Kerr-Stevens highlights technology’s pivotal role in MENA’s resilient economic growth.
- Qatar’s focus on sustainability, exemplified by its ambitious energy projects and comprehensive green initiatives, sets a strong precedent for the region.
BLJ Worldwide just released their latest report, “MENA Tech 2024: Mapping the Technology Landscape.” This report highlights how technology is crucial for shaping a sustainable future in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Based in Doha, the strategic communications agency presents its second annual report. It offers a comprehensive overview of how the tech industry is growing across various sectors in Arab countries.
Smart Mobility: Transforming Urban Life
A standout feature of this year’s report is an exclusive essay by Professor Tarek Selim from the World Economic Forum. The essay titled as the “Smart Mobility in the MENA Region,” highlights how smart mobility technology can address urbanization challenges, enhance quality of life, and support economic diversification away from oil and gas.
Professor Selim argues that smart mobility investments will not only alleviate congestion and pollution but also contribute significantly to the region’s net-zero ambitions.
Key Sectors: A Focus on Climate Tech and More
In addition to climate tech, the report delves into four crucial sectors: fintech, edtech, innovation and entrepreneurship, and technology in media.
It presents insights from leading experts who discuss the latest trends and future prospects in these areas. For instance, the report examines the impact of generative AI on Arabic language processing and the evolving landscape of education in the AI era.
It also explores the rising interest in decentralized finance within the MENA region.
Industry Insights from Prominent Contributors
The report features contributions from notable figures such as Monaem Ben Lellahom, Founding Partner and Group CEO of Sustainable Square; Alexander Wiedmer, Partner and Director at Rasmal Ventures LLC; Noha Shaker, Co-founder of the Egyptian Fintech Association; Indica Amarasinghe, Chapter Director of Startup Grind Qatar; and Michael Webster, Executive Chairman of Telum Media.
These experts provide valuable perspectives on the technological advancements driving progress in the MENA region.
Driving Economic Growth Through Technology
Justin Kerr-Stevens, CEO of BLJ Worldwide, emphasizes the region’s resilience amid global economic challenges.
He attributes the robust growth to a relentless focus on leveraging technology to drive progress across all sectors of the economy. Strong governmental support and a dynamic startup ecosystem have made the MENA region, particularly Qatar, a hotspot for innovation.
Entrepreneurs from around the world are drawn to the opportunities presented by the region’s commitment to technological development.
Qatar’s Leadership in Technological Advancement
Qatar stands out as a leader in the MENA region’s tech revolution. The country’s dedication to innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) was prominently showcased at the Qatar Economic Forum 2024.
The forum announced QAR 9 billion in incentives to promote digital transformation, along with the launch of Qatar’s Arabic Large Language Model project, ‘Fanar’.
These initiatives align with Qatar National Vision 2030, demonstrating the nation’s strategic approach to fostering technological growth.
Commitment to Sustainability and Green Technologies
Qatar places sustainability at the forefront of its technological advancements. In 2021, the country established the Environment and Climate Change Ministry to tackle climate-related issues.
Qatar has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% and producing 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Santiago Bañales, Managing Director of Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, highlights Qatar’s ambitious energy projects in the report.
These include the world’s largest blue ammonia plant, with a capacity of 1.2 million tonnes, and the Al Kharsaah power plant, boasting an 800-megawatt capacity.
Innovative Energy Initiatives
Qatar’s efforts extend to various sectors to improve energy efficiency. The nation is deploying technologies for carbon capture and storage (CCS), expanding solar power, and electrifying transport.
Investments in sustainable technologies for desalination, waste management, and agriculture further underscore Qatar’s commitment to a greener future.
Fahad Al Kuwari, Senior Manager of Investor Relations at Invest Qatar, highlights these initiatives in the report, emphasizing the country’s comprehensive approach to sustainability.
A Sustainable Future Through Technology
The “MENA Tech 2024” report by BLJ Worldwide paints a promising picture of the MENA region’s technological landscape.
By investing in smart mobility and other innovative technologies, the region is poised to achieve significant advancements in sustainability, economic diversification, and quality of life.
As countries like Qatar lead the way with strategic investments and ambitious projects, the future of the MENA region looks brighter and more sustainable than ever.
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