Abu Dhabi.
The Arab Federation for Digital Economy, a member of the Executive Office of the Forum of Specialized Arab Federations at the League of Arab States, announced the appointment of Dr. Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Darmaki as Deputy Secretary-General of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, to oversee and manage the implementation of the “Arab Vision” projects to support digital transformation plans in Arab countries .
The Federation explained in a statement that Dr. Abdullah Al Darmaki is an academic researcher in institutional excellence sciences and a distinguished expert in the field of management and government development system. He previously served as a member of the Advisory Council in the Emirate of Sharjah and as Chairman of the Committee for Preparing the Draft Recommendations, which played a fundamental role in the work of the Council, which aims to achieve the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in developing the emirate.
The Federation stressed that the expertise possessed by Dr. Abdullah Al Darmaki would contribute to implementing the Arab Vision initiatives, especially in digital transformation projects, e-commerce and logistics services in the Arab region and African countries
Cairo
The Egyptian capital, Cairo, recently hosted the Seamless North Africa 2024 Conference and Exhibition, which lasted for two days under the slogan “The Future of Digital Trade Across North Africa”. In his opening speech at the conference, His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, noted the distinguished experience of the UAE in the field of digital transformation and digital economy with its qualitative cumulative experiences, as well as some of its sister countries from the Gulf and North Africa.
One is proud of the presence of high-level Emirati competencies and expertise such as Dr. Ali Al-Khouri, President of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, who is the dynamo of the movement towards a better future for digital trade in our Arab world. He spoke about the accelerating pace that characterizes the sector’s performance, as digital transformations will draw the new features of the digital economy.
The man says to indicate this: “In 2021, the value of global digital sales reached about $5 trillion, and this number is expected to jump to $7.5 trillion next year… while digital sales in 2010 did not exceed $600 billion, which means there is a profound change in the nature of the economy that requires looking at the future through a different lens, in which there is no place for traditionalism.”
In the Arab world, according to Dr. Al-Khouri, expectations indicate that “the value of digital trade in the Arab world is likely to reach $50 billion by 2025… up from $2 or $5 billion in 2010.” And “the next generation of digital trade will not be just an extension of current developments, but will carry qualitative transformations that will completely reshape the rules of the game. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital payments, especially digital currencies that we see today taking their path towards regulation, will radically change the way our systems and environments interact, and with each other.” Global transformations call for preparing for the fifth generation of e-commerce, the revolutionary difference that artificial intelligence will make in markets, and the algorithms that will enable immediate integration between databases and government and private services, which will make logistical and financial operations smoother and more compliant with legal standards and transparency.
The UAE was a pioneer in fully preparing for these transformations early on – as is its habit in anticipating the future – by building the necessary infrastructure and legislation that provide it with the appropriate ground not only for launch, but also for the country’s transformation into a leading center for the digital economy. It has succeeded in presenting an inspiring Emirati model in the digital world and the digital economy.
Cairo
Ambassador Mohammadi Al-Ni, Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity, received His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, in the presence of Her Excellency Rkia Al-Darham, former Minister of Digital Economy in Morocco and member of the Board of Directors of the Federation.
During the meeting, Dr. Al-Khouri pointed out that the Union is working on updating the “Arab Vision for the Digital Economy” document that was adopted at the Arab Leaders’ Meetings in 2022, in cooperation with its international partners, in order to enhance the efforts made to develop Arab economies and achieve digital transformation in the region.
Dr. Al-Khouri explained the importance of the “Arab Digital Economy Index” in supporting digital development in the region, as the report provides practical solutions based on best practices and modern technologies.
For her part, Her Excellency Minister Rukia Al Derham stressed that the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, which was established in 2018 under the umbrella of the Council of Arab Economic Unity at the League of Arab States, is one of the leading regional organizations seeking to support the infrastructure and legislation in the fields of the digital economy in the Arab region. She also pointed out the importance of the projects supervised by the Federation, such as the “Arab Digital Economy Index”, the “Arab Digital University”, and the “Arab Food Market”, and their role in enhancing technological capabilities in member states, stressing the need to coordinate with member states to activate these projects and make the most of them in driving economic and social development.
For his part, His Excellency Ambassador Mohammadi Al-Ni praised the initiatives and projects of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy and its clear and remarkable role in supporting the joint Arab action system through its organization and hosting of many events, activities, and meetings of Arab councils and work committees, as well as in the specialized studies it publishes in the fields of economic and social development, in addition to the strategic projects it implements at the level of the Arab region.
Cairo
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek, President of Cairo University, received H.E. Dr. Ali Mohamed El-Khouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, at the university’s headquarters in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. The meeting came within the framework of enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise between the two sides, with a focus on the digital economy and entrepreneurship in the Arab world.
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek stressed during the meeting the strategic importance of Cairo University in achieving the goals of the “Arab Vision for Digital Economy”, noting that it is one of the most important regional initiatives aimed at supporting digital transformation and sustainable development in Arab countries. He added that the university will continue to support the projects of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, especially in light of the accelerating digital challenges facing the world.
Dr. Ali Mohamed El-Khoury pointed out the importance of cooperation with Cairo University, which is a strategic partner in a number of projects of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy. El-Khoury explained that the university plays a vital role in developing the “Arab Vision Document for Digital Economy”, which aims to direct efforts towards building a strong and sustainable digital economy in the region. He also referred to the university’s contribution to preparing the “Arab Digital Economy Index Report”, which measures the progress of Arab countries in this field and identifies the opportunities and challenges they face.
The meeting reviewed the progress of the “Digital Education and Training Platform” project, which works to enhance the digital skills of Arab youth in cooperation between the Union and the University. In addition, the “Future Business Leaders Program” was reviewed, which aims to qualify the next generation of entrepreneurs in the Arab region, by providing intensive training and comprehensive support for start-ups.
The two sides praised the strategic partnership between them, stressing the importance of continuing cooperation to achieve more achievements in the fields of digital transformation and innovation. Dr. Ali Al-Khouri expressed his appreciation for the role of Cairo University as a beacon of science and innovation in the region, noting that cooperation with the university contributes significantly to strengthening the Arab digital economy and lays a solid foundation for future projects.
The meeting also touched on the importance of concerted efforts between academic institutions and regional unions to promote digital entrepreneurship, especially in light of the digital transformations that the world is witnessing today. The need to provide continuous support for research and initiatives aimed at developing digital infrastructure and enhancing financial inclusion in Arab countries was emphasized.
This partnership between the Arab Federation for Digital Economy and Cairo University is an important step towards achieving digital integration and enhancing cooperation between academic and governmental institutions in the Arab world.
Cairo
His Excellency Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, received His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy at the headquarters of the Arab League. During the meeting, topics related to the implementation of the “Arab Vision for Digital Economy” projects were discussed, as well as the future strategic plans adopted by the Federation to enhance digital transformation in the Arab region.
His Excellency the Chairman of the Board of Directors stated that, within the framework of its future plans, the Arab Federation for Digital Economy continues to expand its partnerships with international entities to support the digital infrastructure in the region, and enhance financial inclusion using the latest financial technologies, and that the Federation is working to implement innovative technological projects aimed at enhancing the digital economy and achieving sustainable development in the Arab region.
Ambassador Hossam Zaki praised the pioneering role played by the Arab Federation for Digital Economy in supporting digital transformation initiatives, especially in preparing specialized studies and reports that contribute to formulating digital policies at the level of Arab countries. He also commended the knowledge activities and events organized by the Federation, in addition to the digital initiatives and platforms it launched in partnership with many international entities such as the “Arab Digital Economy Index”, the “Arab Digital University” and the “Arab Food Market”.
It is noteworthy that the Arab Federation for Digital Economy was established in 2018 under the umbrella of the Council of Arab Economic Unity of the League of Arab States. It aims to support digital transformation, develop the legislative and technical infrastructure of Arab countries, and enhance cooperation with the international community in the field of digital economy.
Cairo
Dr. Ali Al-Khouri, Chairman of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, stressed that the world today is experiencing profound transformations, in which digital technologies have become not just a tool, but the beating heart of the modern economy.
This came during his speech at the “Seamless North Africa 2024” conference and exhibition, which was held in Cairo under the patronage and attendance of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, under the slogan “The Future of Digital Trade across North Africa”, and organized by the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, in partnership with Terrapinn Company for Organizing International Conferences and Exhibitions.
“In 2021, the value of global digital sales reached about $5 trillion, and according to recent statistics, this number is expected to jump to $7.5 trillion next year… while digital sales in 2010 did not exceed $600 billion,” Al-Khoury said, noting that these numbers express a profound change in the nature of the economy, and that this change prompts us to reconsider our concepts and look at the future with a different lens, where there is no place for tradition.
Regarding our Arab region, Dr. Al-Khoury explained that expectations indicate that the value of digital trade in the Arab world is likely to reach $50 billion by 2025… up from $2 or $5 billion in 2010. He wondered whether we have the ability and real desire to exploit these opportunities? Do we have the courage to take these numbers to new levels?
Al-Khouri said: “The world we live in today is characterised by complexity and turmoil. Wars, epidemics, and geopolitical tensions are all factors that have greatly affected the stability of the global economy, the balance of international trade, and have revealed the fragility of global supply chains, to the point of questioning the continuity of the idea of a single global village… and even raising serious questions… about the ability of national systems to face the challenges of future globalisation… with the rise of protectionist policies and trade restrictions.”
He added: “We stand at a crossroads, as we have limited options. We either continue with the current patterns, or adopt a new vision… a vision based on Arab integration and harnessing modern technology to build a strong and sustainable economy.”
He stressed that the next generation of digital commerce will not be a mere extension of current developments, but will bring qualitative transformations that will completely reshape the rules of the game. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital payments and especially digital currencies that we see today taking their path towards regulation, will radically change the way our systems and environments interact, and with each other.
He also explained that global transformations call for preparing for the fifth generation of e-commerce, the revolutionary difference that artificial intelligence will make in the markets, and the algorithms that will enable immediate integration between databases and government and private services, which will make logistical and financial operations smoother and more compliant with legal standards and transparency.
He pointed out that according to the perspective of the Center for Learning and Future Studies at the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, planning to support e-commerce in the Arab world requires reconsideration in a manner consistent with reality and the requirements of the digital age, with a general structure based on three main levels.
Al-Khouri called on Arab policymakers, saying: It is important to work on reimagining e-commerce as a fundamental pillar of the future of the economy in the region. The strategic focus must be on creating an integrated, AI-driven ecosystem that is flexible, inclusive and innovative… This will enable the Arab world to keep up with global trends, and even determine its path in the digital economy, and give it a foothold in the new global economy, stressing that success in the new future requires from policymakers and makers a visionary approach that does not only adapt to challenges and opportunities, but is proactive.
Video of the speech of His Excellency the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy at the Seamless North Africa 2024 Conference
Cairo
Her Excellency Mariam Khalifa Al Kaabi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates and its Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States, participated in the activities of the “Seamless North Africa 2024” conference and exhibition, which is being held over the course of September 2 and 3 under the slogan “The Future of Digital Trade Across North Africa” and was inaugurated by His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States.
The conference aims to enhance the future of digital commerce, financial technology, and banking services, and discuss the challenges facing Arab economies in light of the major role that technological innovations have come to play in banking, e-commerce, and the financial sector in general.
In her speech, Ambassador Mariam Al Kaabi stressed that the world has become aware of the importance and role of the digital economy in enhancing wealth and increasing the gross domestic product of national economies. Several countries have achieved remarkable and real developments in this field, most notably the UAE.
Ambassador Mariam Al Kaabi added that the UAE has worked to anticipate the future and build a digital infrastructure, topping global indicators, especially in the network readiness and e-services indicators. This active work was part of a series of policies and strategies such as the digital transformation initiative, the national artificial intelligence program, the digital government strategy and other initiatives. The UAE has also worked to enhance inclusiveness and flexibility with future challenges and harmony with the requirements of the digital age, with a focus on customer needs and reliance on data.
She added that the UAE’s future directions aim to establish the digital transformation and technology sector as a strategic and essential sector due to its important role in developing and planning strategies to support the country’s economy. The UAE adopts economic strategies that stimulate economic diversification, away from oil, and works to build a knowledge-based and diversified economy enhanced by scientific and technological progress and digital transformation.
The UAE Ambassador explained that in 2024, the general framework for adopting sustainable digital transformation was issued as a guiding policy to integrate sustainability principles into all digital transformation activities and initiatives in government agencies in the country, in a strategic step aimed at enhancing sustainable digital readiness in the UAE… The launch of the general framework for adopting sustainable digital transformation came as a result of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him”, to extend the “Year of Sustainability” to include the year 2024 and build on the successes achieved during the year 2023, in a way that contributes to achieving the country’s commitments to combating the effects of climate change and its ambitions towards a sustainable future enhanced by future technology and digital transformation in all sectors.
Ambassador Mariam Al Kaabi also pointed out in her speech that the fraternal relations and close partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt contribute to deepening the bonds of ties between the two countries and moving towards a new development phase that consolidates the existing cooperation system between the two countries in all fields, especially in the economic and commercial sectors.
The UAE Ambassador said that Egypt is a strategic investment and trade partner for the UAE in the region, while the UAE is among the most important trade partners of Egypt. In terms of investments, the UAE is among the most important countries investing in Egypt, and the number of companies has reached about 1941 companies in various strategic economic fields such as communications, tourism, the financial and banking sector, the real estate sector, infrastructure and ports, in addition to agriculture, trade, food and pharmaceutical industries, all of which are important sectors for achieving sustainable development.
Video of the speech of Her Excellency Mariam Al Kaabi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Arab Republic of Egypt, during the Seamless North Africa 2024 Conference
Cairo
The activities of the “Seamless North Africa 2024” conference and exhibition kicked off today in Cairo under the patronage of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and under the slogan “The Future of Digital Trade Across North Africa”.
The conference and exhibition activities are organized by the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, in partnership with Terrapin International Conferences, over the course of two days, September 2 and 3.
Ambassador Mohamed Khair Abdel Qader, Secretary-General of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, confirmed that the Seamless Conference is a platform for raising awareness of the role of financial technology and its importance in supporting digital transformation, increasing financial inclusion rates, and reviewing the latest innovations in modern practices in the digital economy, digital banks, and electronic payment.
Ambassador Mohamed Khair also explained that the conference includes dialogue sessions and discussions that will address the topics of digital financial payments, e-commerce, banking services, and financial technology, noting that all of this is taking place within the framework of this great technological boom that the world is witnessing with the digital revolution, digital transformation, and the increasing use of technology in people’s lives.
Cairo
Source: Al-Wafd newspaper
Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri
Sports investment is one of the promising investment fields in Egypt, to achieve economic and social development, as it can contribute significantly to achieving multiple benefits for society and the state. The importance of this type of investment is especially evident if we look at the remarkable growth in the sports sector, as Egypt has witnessed major developments in infrastructure represented in sports facilities and youth facilities.
Government investments between 2018 and 2022, which exceeded EGP 40 billion, contributed to significant development in the youth and sports sector, which was also accompanied by private sector investments, which amounted to nearly EGP 3 billion to develop youth centers and sports facilities. Investments in small and service projects in the past four years amounted to EGP 2.4 billion.
Today, Egypt has 1018 clubs, 4050 five-a-side pitches, 4374 youth centers, 7 sports development centers and dozens of sports medicine units. The Egyptian Football League leads the African continent in terms of market value, with a value exceeding 166 million euros, surpassing the South African league, which is worth about 157 million euros. Egypt has hosted more than 289 tournaments at the international, continental and Arab levels during this period.
As we see in the experiences of Western countries, investment in sports infrastructure is a major catalyst for job creation in various fields such as training, marketing, maintenance, education, sports media, event management, etc. For example, building stadiums and sports halls contributes to providing many jobs for local workers and stimulates the economy through the services associated with these facilities. Organizing international sports events can also attract foreign investment, increase tourism revenues, and significantly support the national economy. International experiences show the importance of these investments in boosting the local economy, as UNESCO estimates that the economic and social benefits of sports infrastructure in Australia amount to about $16.2 billion annually.
It is worth noting that sports investments bring with them other economic vehicles, such as the development of related industries, such as the manufacture of sports equipment, tools, and sportswear. The expansion of this sector could grow Egypt’s GDP and position it as a regional hub for the sports industry. In the United States, the economic benefits of youth and amateur sports are estimated at $40 billion in direct spending in 2021, resulting in a total economic impact of $91.8 billion, the creation of 635,000 jobs, and the generation of tax revenues worth $12.9 billion.
Encouraging physical activities by building more sports facilities and providing equipment at reasonable prices will inevitably reflect on the goals of improving public health, raising health awareness and physical culture, and preventing many chronic diseases. Regular exercise contributes to raising levels of physical fitness in society, increases productivity, enhances mental health, and reduces levels of stress and depression. In addition, sports play an important role in instilling the values of cooperation, teamwork, and a sense of patriotism.
Despite these clear benefits, sports investment in Egypt faces several challenges that hinder achieving maximum benefit from it. The most prominent of these challenges is the lack of funding allocated to sports projects in some areas such as Upper Egypt and border governorates, weak infrastructure such as power outages and inefficient transportation, in addition to the lack of awareness of the importance of sports and its benefits among some members of society.
Moreover, the sector faces additional challenges such as the effective allocation of resources and management of sports projects, in addition to the weakness of current legislation. These factors negatively affect the investment environment and reduce the attractiveness of the sector to local and foreign investors. In addition, there is a lack of reliable data that can be used to accurately assess investment opportunities and risks.
There are also many structural factors that affect the development of this vital sector, such as lack of funding, lack of qualified personnel and sufficient numbers of highly experienced trainers and administrators, in addition to the lack of modern equipment in sports facilities necessary to provide an ideal training environment.
To overcome these challenges, policymakers must adopt a national strategy to benefit from this sector. First, this strategy must be based on increasing funding allocated to sports projects, allocating larger budgets and providing tax incentives to attract foreign investment.
Secondly, the national strategy should work to improve sports infrastructure in all governorates and regions, especially those that suffer from a lack of facilities. This can be achieved through public-private partnerships to build and develop modern sports facilities.
Third, the national strategy must seek to enhance the principles of transparency and governance in the management of sports investments and projects to ensure a fair and transparent investment environment and to encourage investors to enter the Egyptian market.
Fourth, education and training in the sports field is an indisputable matter. It is important to provide specialized training programs for coaches, players and administrators to ensure the development of sports and administrative talents, in addition to paying attention to scientific research in the fields of sports medicine and sports technology to improve performance and reduce injuries.
Fifth, it is essential that the strategy relies on media campaigns and awareness programs about the importance of sports and its benefits for public health and community development. Social media sites are pivotal tools that can contribute to spreading awareness among community members about the importance of sports and enhance innovation and diversity in the sector.
Sixth and finally, investing in sports technology and digital infrastructure can help improve efficiency and increase revenue. Adopting technologies such as big data analytics and artificial intelligence can improve training, marketing and management strategies.
What is important to realize is that sports investment holds enormous potential for Egypt, as it can be a major driver of economic growth and job creation, as well as delivering broad social benefits. Progress here depends on the ability of policymakers to adopt an ambitious vision to transform the sports sector from a mere leisure activity, to a powerful tool for social and economic change and a real driving force for comprehensive development in Egyptian society.
Cairo
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, inaugurated today, Monday, September 2, 2024, the Seamless North Africa 2024 Conference and Exhibition, which will be held over the course of September 2 and 3, 2024, under the slogan “The Future of Digital Trade Across North Africa.”
It is worth noting that the conference aims to enhance the future of digital commerce, financial technology, and banking services, and discuss the challenges facing Arab economies in light of the major role that technological innovations have come to play in banking, e-commerce, and the financial sector in general.
During the opening of the conference, the Secretary-General of the Arab League stressed the importance of creating an economic environment that nurtures innovation and adopting a new philosophy characterized by development and modernity. He expressed his aspiration to fully benefit from the untapped potential and energies in many Arab countries.
His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Arab League expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy in keeping pace with the ongoing changes in the technological arena, as well as the Arab Academy for Science, Transport, Technology and Maritime Transport’s relentless efforts to keep pace with the developments of the era and its sciences, and to host many activities and events aimed at supporting talents and promising elements in various fields and sciences, the latest of which is hosting the activities of the “Thirty-Sixth International Olympiad in Informatics”, during the period from September 1 to 8, 2024, at the Academy’s headquarters in Alexandria.
Video of the speech of His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, at the Seamless North Africa 2024 Conference
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