Dubai

The conference and exhibition of digital economy technologies “Seamless 2023” concluded today in Dubai, which was held at the Dubai Convention and Exhibition Center and will continue on May 23-24, 2023 under the auspices of the League of Arab States and the organization of the Arab Union for Digital Economy in cooperation with the international company Terrapinn for organizing conferences.

The conference, which aims to support and enhance opportunities for the growth of the digital economy in the Arab region, witnessed a remarkable international and Arab presence, led by officials of the League of Arab States, Arab and international delegations, government officials and experts in the fields of digital economy.

During the activities of the conference, which witnessed deliberations, lectures and working papers presented by a number of specialists and experts in the fields of digital economy. On its sidelines, an exhibition was organized for a number of entities and companies dealing and producing technologies and tools in the areas of digital government services, digital identity, digital payments, e-commerce, retail trade and financial technology. .

More than 500 speakers participated in the conference and exhibition, which is the largest in the Middle East on digital economy topics, in 200 sessions and lectures, and more than 15,000 officials from the public and private sectors representing more than 5,000 institutions, with the participation of more than 5,000 participants from outside the country. .

Dubai

Participants in the conference and exhibition of digital economy technologies “Seamless Middle East 2023”, which were held during the days of May 23-24 in Dubai, the World Trade Center, appreciated the role played by the conference management in the distinguished and remarkable organization and the civilized appearance of the exhibition and its high level. Which featured the exhibiting companies and institutions, which numbered more than 650 companies and more than 300 emerging companies.

Abdullah Al-Othman, founder and chairman of Geidea, expressed his happiness at participating in the Seamless 2023 exhibition, stressing the importance of such events in supporting digital transformation and developing the future of digital trade in the Arab region, in addition to supporting joint Arab action in the transition to digitization and raising Awareness about the great economic returns of digitization and its enormous social and economic effects on Arab societies, praising the great diversity of exhibitors, products and services from technological companies in the fields of electronic security, artificial intelligence, robots, blockchain and digital currencies, which show enormous and great potential for Arab countries to benefit from in digital transformation processes.

For his part, Tawsif Ahmed from Worldpay stressed the importance of the exhibition and his happiness in participating and being part of the digital transformation in the UAE and the Arab region, and that the exhibition represents a unique opportunity to see the latest technology in the areas of digital government, financial technology, banking services, electronic payments, And retail sector technologies, e-commerce platforms, digital identity, logistics services, and digital security, as well as an opportunity to raise public awareness and introduce best global practices and experiences in the field of digital economy, and that counts for the UAE as one of the leading countries in the world of digital technology.

Engineer Walid Gabriel, Regional Director of IDEMIA, said that the Seamless Middle East 2023 exhibition was distinguished and successful by all standards, expressing his gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity for IDEMIA to be part of the wonderful exhibition that was held in Dubai. He also praised the exceptional organization of the Arab Union for the Digital Economy for the conference and exhibition, which is being held for the seventh year in a row.

For his part, Faisal Al-Mishal, CEO of MY Fatoorah, confirmed that the level of exhibiting companies and institutions, which exceeded 650 companies and more than 300 startups, is today one of the largest successful conferences and exhibitions specialized in the digital economy in the Middle East, referring to the distinguished knowledge content of working papers, seminars and workshops. Work at the conference, which shed light on the latest technologies and challenges in the world of the digital revolution, praising the interactive platforms and sessions in which a large number of government officials, the private sector and experts participated.

Dubai

His Excellency Ambassador Mohammadi Ahmed Al-Nay, Secretary General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity, participated in the activities of the conference and exhibition of digital economy technologies “Celmes” Middle East 2023, with a speech in which he stressed the importance of strengthening joint Arab action, in encouraging investment prospects with the tremendous natural resources and resources that Arab countries possess. It is waiting for concerted efforts to exploit it according to strategic and legislative frameworks suitable for every Arab country in order to improve the lives of Arab citizens.

His Excellency the Ambassador stressed that the Council of Arab Economic Unity, in cooperation with the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, adopted a common Arab vision for the digital economy that was announced by the League of Arab States in 2018 with the support of the UAE, as a step to pave the way towards building a sustainable digital economy in the region, and strengthening digital infrastructure. necessary to accelerate the implementation of the digital transformation strategy, and advance the process of economic development in the digital age, which would support economic stability in the Arab region and enhance joint Arab action.

It is also an ambitious future vision that came at an important time, and was adopted in November of the year 2022 at the Leaders Summit held in Algeria, as the Arab countries have a great opportunity to make leaps in this vital field, stressing that investing in digital transformation will be feasible and attractive. If it is directed to the Arab region market.

The Secretary General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity stressed that many Arab countries have taken serious and accelerated steps to promote digital transformation initiatives, to increase competition on the global stage. And thus achieve more growth in per capita GDP, value-added production and prosperity for its people.

Pointing to the inevitability of the Arab countries that have not yet caught up with the train of technological progress and digital transformation to accelerate this in order to keep pace with the increasing global changes, especially in the wider spread of the use of the digital economy and the economic prosperity and sustainable development it achieves through its tools. Represented in information and communication technology through the regulatory frameworks and legislation that encourage the expansion of the establishment of these projects.

Dubai

Eng. Atef Helmy, former Minister of Communications and Information Technology of the Arab Republic of Egypt, participated in the conference and exhibition of digital economy technologies, “Selims Middle East 2023”, which is currently being held in Dubai, at the exhibition grounds of the World Trade Center, jointly organized by the League of Arab States and the Arab Union for Digital Economy, with a word of affirmation In which it stresses the importance of activating and strengthening joint Arab cooperation based on digital knowledge, developing technological and legislative infrastructures, and supporting plans for digital transformation and technological development and emerging entrepreneurial entrepreneurs in Arab countries,

Eng. Atef Helmy said that the Arab region is witnessing a radical transformation and prosperity in information technology, services and innovation, thanks to the great role played by the Arab Union for Digital Economy and the League of Arab States, through the Arab vision for the digital economy, which aims to accelerate the process of digital transformation, rebuilding and developing the economic system in countries. Arabic, especially since it is a vision based on scientific foundations to achieve maximum benefit.

He added that the Arab world has tremendous potential in enhancing the share of the digital economy in the total output of the Arab countries, and this is an opportunity to further enhance the share of the digital economy in the transition to full digitalization of the Arab countries, which would work to improve all government services and automate all financial and service transactions, which is beneficial. on the Arab economy as a whole.

The former Minister of Communications of the Arab Republic of Egypt pointed to the importance of the role played by the UAE in spreading digitalization and promoting work in the digital economy, which contributes strongly to achieving economic balance and assisting companies in Arab countries to reach global markets, and open wider areas for export to increase the possibility of marketing products. And services through new non-traditional markets, all of which are in the interest of the Arab economy and the achievement of sustainable development, through financial flows, and contribute to solving the unemployment problem spread in the region, especially among Arab youth, by creating more job opportunities.

Dubai

His Excellency explained, Dr. Muhammad Othman Elkhosht, President of Cairo University, said that the Digital Economy Conference and Exhibition (Seamless Middle East 2023) was full of new and very important content, as the updated version of the Arab vision for the digital economy was presented, which contains innovative mechanisms to face the challenges posed by global conditions in recent years, and that This confirms the ability of the makers of this vision to innovate and keep pace with changes, in a manner that places the Arab world at the heart of the process of digital modernity.

The President of Cairo University also praised the initiative to qualify one million Arab entrepreneurs, and pointed out that it is an appreciable initiative because it works on development in order to create value by teaching Arab youth digital entrepreneurship skills and developing their ability to form and develop startups, and that it will definitely contribute to creating New jobs in the fields of future jobs, and it will give a great impetus to the Arab economy by inserting a million Arab youth into the heart of digital transformation processes and the formation of new start-up companies in addition to developing the companies already operating, and that all of this would open unlimited opportunities for the transition towards a non-oil economy and make the Arab economy at the center of the global economy.

The President of Cairo University extended thanks and appreciation to the United Arab Emirates, appreciation and greetings to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, for his sponsorship of the Arab Vision for Digital Economy initiative and the initiatives emanating from the Arab vision launched by the Federation to promote a culture of creativity, leadership of change, and problem-solving. He also thanked Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the United Arab Emirates, Supreme President of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, for his active role in supporting knowledge societies, noting the importance of the digital economy conference and exhibition (Seamless Middle East) ) from mobilization and awareness at the level of the Arab region and what His Highness has accomplished with the Council of Arab Economic Unity and the Arab League in order to enable the digital economy in the Arab countries.

The President of Cairo University concluded that the current conference is a strong expression of the importance of digital transformation, especially in the economic field, despite the extension of the digital revolution to all areas of life; However, the digital economy comes at the forefront of these areas and the most dangerous. Especially with the diversity of practices and technologies associated with it, within the framework of a distinct vision of the need to transform the digital economy, within the framework of an integrated, developed, and sustainable Arab regional system.

Dubai

His Excellency explained, Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri, Advisor to the Council of Arab Economic Unity and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, that the global geopolitical and economic transformations imposed a new global reality, and that development systems can no longer keep pace with them except through new and different intellectual and executive mechanisms and tools. This came during his participation in the main session of the seamless Middle East Digital Economy Technology Conference and Exhibition 2023, which will be held from May 23-24 at the International Exhibition Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In his speech, Al-Khouri reviewed the political, economic and social transformations that the world is witnessing, which he described as putting the Arab region at a critical juncture, and it became imperative for it to choose between two things, either to continue with the same approach, or to stop to evaluate and review whether the plans set are on the right track, and that it is to face challenges. It has become necessary to rethink and delve deeper into Arab economic policies, and their ability to deal with sufficient flexibility and effectiveness with emerging domestic and international crises.

Al-Khouri explained that the task of governments and policy makers is complex, and requires comprehensive analysis and thoughtful solutions, but despite that, challenges come with gigantic opportunities that can contribute to enhancing the comprehensive Arab economic development process. But that requires adopting the mentality of challenge and innovation, and benefiting from technologies and adapting them in developing the productivity and competitiveness of social and economic systems, and working to activate the mechanisms and fields of Arab-Arab action.

In his speech, Al-Khouri referred to a set of complex and restrictive challenges for the Arab economy, including high unemployment rates, especially unemployment among Arab youth, as the Middle East and North Africa region occupies the highest unemployment rate among youth in the world, at a rate of 30% in 2022, according to the Labor Organization. International, and that this is a very disturbing indicator that indicates a defect in the educational systems and the labor market, in addition to the challenge represented by the skill weakness of the human forces in the Arab region, which struggle to keep up with the requirements of upgrading the level of professions and high-tech crafts, indicating that the countries of the Middle East and North Africa region occupy It ranks well below the global average in digital skills, according to a World Bank report for the year 2022, which restricts the competitiveness of Arab countries in the global economy.

Al-Khouri also stressed that the Arab countries are in urgent need to diversify their economies and accelerate the steps of digital transformation in the region, especially since the Arab economy is still absent from the scene of real economies based on knowledge and technology, which is confirmed by the poor classification of the majority of Arab countries in the Global Innovation Index, where it ranks Most of them are noticeably late.

The advisor of the Council of Arab Economic Unity reviewed a number of solutions for a safe exit from these challenges, and that the urgent need for change calls for a review of current work methodologies, and a move towards adopting innovative solutions that usually involve a culture and mentality of challenge, not the mentality of imitation and rumination.

He stressed that the Arab region needs to invest in human resources, and develop the educational system and training and vocational training programs that meet the needs of the global economy. And that achieving economic diversification must coincide with the expansion of investment in vital sectors such as industry, technology, agriculture, and tourism, which would create new job opportunities, stimulate innovation, and enhance the flexibility of Arab economies to face the fluctuations of global markets.

Al-Khouri called on the Arab countries to work on self-sufficiency in strategic and basic materials and commodities, to mitigate the impact of disruptions in global supply chains, and that this can be achieved through local production, storage of strategic reserves, diversification of trading partners, and requires reconsideration and the establishment of new alliances that serve national and regional goals.

He also explained the importance of central banks implementing a set of monetary and financial policies to support the stability of the national currency, protect confidence in its markets, contain inflation, address the trade balance deficit, and encourage investment in productive sectors.

Al-Khouri also stressed the importance of preparing the Arab world for future changes and proactive interaction with them, such as the upcoming challenge represented in the transition towards low-carbon economies as an environmental necessity to confront climate change, and so as not to contradict the global consensus that is currently moving with determination and seriousness towards these goals.

In the conclusion of his speech, His Excellency the Advisor to the Council of Arab Economic Unity called for the inevitability of working to strengthen regional cooperation and economic integration in the Arab region, to pool resources, build knowledge and technology, increase Arab negotiating capacity on the global stage, and benefit from unitary power to advance economic development and ensure a prosperous future for the Arab peoples.

Dubai

Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, inaugurated today the activities of the “Seamless 2022” conference and exhibition of digital economy technologies, which will be held at the Convention and Exhibition Center in Dubai and will continue on May 23-24. 2023 under the auspices of the League of Arab States and the organization of the Arab Union for Digital Economy in cooperation with the international company Terrapinn for organizing conferences.

The organization of the conference comes within the context of the Arab Vision for Digital Economy project that was announced in Abu Dhabi in December 2018 with the generous support and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. A large number of international institutions and organizations and global and Arab technology companies participate in it.

His Highness attended the opening session of the conference, and His Highness and the audience watched two films that show the updated version of the Arab vision for the digital economy and the initiative to qualify one million Arab entrepreneurs, in addition to listening to the speeches delivered at the opening session.

It is expected that a number of government officials in the Arab region, a group of leaders in the private sector, and a number of international experts will participate in the conference sessions in the main axes of the conference, which include digital government, electronic payments, e-commerce platforms, retail sector technologies, financial technology, banking services, digital identity, logistics, digital security, and e-marketing.

remarkable presence

The opening was attended by His Excellency Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Office of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, His Excellency Atef Helmy, former Minister of Communications and Information Technology – Egypt, and His Excellency Ambassador Muhammadi Ahmed Al-Nay, Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity, His Excellency Prof. Dr. Muhammad Othman Al-Khasht, President of Cairo University, His Excellency Dr. Ali Muhammad Al-Khoury, Advisor to the Council of Arab Economic Unity and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Federation of Economics, a number of Arab ambassadors accredited to the UAE, and a large number of Arab delegations, government officials and experts in the fields of digital economy.

The conference and exhibition of digital economy technologies, “Seamless Middle East 2023”, which will be held at the Convention and Exhibition Center in Dubai and will continue on May 23-24, 2023, will be held under the auspices of the League of Arab States and the organization of the Arab Union for Digital Economy in cooperation with the international company Terrapinn for organizing conferences. The conference and exhibition is the largest in the world. The Middle East in digital economy topics, with more than 500 speakers participating in 200 sessions and lectures, and more than 15,000 officials from the public and private sectors representing more than 5,000 institutions, with the participation of more than 5,000 participants from outside the country.

Dubai

His Excellency Wissam Al-Rabadi, former Minister of Planning and International Cooperation in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, affirmed that the “One Million Arab Digital Entrepreneurs” initiative is an exceptional Arab project and a pioneering initiative that is the first of its kind in the world, and it is the result of the concerted efforts of the Arab Union for Digital Economy with the digital platform to develop entrepreneurship. Business.

This came in a speech he delivered at the main session of the Semless Middle East Digital Economy Technology Conference and Exhibition 2023, which was held at the Dubai International Exhibition Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

His Excellency Wissam Al-Rabadi explained that the objectives of the initiative are to work to consolidate the first real step towards empowering the young men and women of the Arab world, and to unleash their enormous energies and potentials, and that its launch from the United Arab Emirates comes in its continuous proactivity in the field of leadership, excellence and global leadership, under the leadership of His Highness the President of the State The United Arab Emirates His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him, whose Highness preceded the launch of the joint Arab vision for the Arab digital economy, from which this initiative emerges.

His Excellency also stressed in his speech to the conference that this initiative is a great evidence of a major shift in the Arab mentality, breaking barriers and challenging traditional norms in a way that makes us proud of the great role played by the League of Arab States through the Arab Union for the Digital Economy, to achieve that great Arab achievement in this regard. The digital age, and the transformative power of digital entrepreneurship and its ability to shape economies, societies and individual lives.

His Excellency also reviewed the advantages that the “One Million Arab Digital Entrepreneurs” initiative will achieve in providing a thriving ecosystem that nurtures innovation and enhances cooperation, and provides the necessary resources for entrepreneurs to achieve the success they aspire to, which the Arab region needs in order to address the challenge of growing unemployment, low income rates and societal pressures. resulting from it.

His Excellency also indicated that the initiative will provide a set of digital educational programs, consulting and guidance services, and a network of strategic partnerships, in addition to providing financing opportunities in cooperation with the Arab Union for Digital Economy, in order to provide the appropriate environment to enable one million Arab young men and women to embark on their entrepreneurial journey, which will inevitably It enhances the participation of the digital economy in the Arab gross domestic product, which is considered a necessity imposed by the conditions and challenges of the times.

His Excellency also stressed that the initiative is an entirely Arab project, and that it aims to serve the youth in the Arab world without any exception, and that we are all concerned with its success and ensuring its sustainability so that it is a true nucleus for an Arab digital project that transfers our Arab economy to the ranks of developed countries that are racing in the field of digitalization.

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In his speech at the opening ceremony, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, affirmed that this annual conference and exhibition … which is the most important and largest forum in the Arab region to discuss the reality of the digital economy and its prospects. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

He also extended his thanks and appreciation to Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, for his sponsorship of the work of this important conference and his constant guidance to enrich its axes in line with developments in the digital field.

He said that Arab national security, in its comprehensive concept, is closely linked to development efforts. There is no security without development, and our countries have realized the importance of this issue in preserving the Arab structure and achieving integration among its components… as it has taken concrete steps over the past decades in its development path despite the obstacles it faced and the serious crises which afflicted some of its countries, and development, in turn, during the same era witnessed a radical development in its concept and pillars … as it moved from the traditional production pattern to more sustainable models … and the role of technology was significantly enhanced to become a cornerstone of economic development and an important resource of its resources.

He pointed out that the acceleration of the growth of the digital economy was remarkable during the last two decades, as the Internet and digital technology contributed to the prosperity of services and innovation and the spread of electronic commerce on a large scale … ​​These technological developments also contributed to strengthening international efforts to find solutions to environmental problems that we face due to climate change, such as Inventions of clean energy generation and the use of digitization to reduce production, transmission and distribution costs, and the emergence of waste recycling activities and their utilization.

He added that the interdependence between issues of the digital economy and technology and efforts to confront climate change is inevitable and indisputable… You have all followed in this regard the discussions and sessions devoted to the topic of transitioning to a sustainable green economy through the use of technology and the encouragement of digital economy companies during the COP27 climate summit held in the city of Sharm. Sheikh last year, which will undoubtedly continue in the next summit that Dubai will host at the end of this year.

The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States stated that the contribution of the digital economy to the Arab economies is weak despite the good efforts made by the Arab countries, as it does not exceed 6 percent at best, and the recorded numbers vary between the Arab countries, which reflects the persistence of the digital divide between the countries of the region, referring to The situation of the digital economy in our countries is not commensurate with the size of the capabilities and opportunities that are available to it.. The Arab world has important ingredients that will enhance the share of the digital economy in the gross product, including the youth component, the size of the Arab consumption market, and the continued growth of the telecommunications and Internet sector, and on this topic for example His Excellency stated that 198 million Arab citizens still do not benefit from Internet services on a permanent basis, which reflects the size of the opportunities offered by the process of their future integration into this virtual market.

He added that, in connection with this issue, the World Bank report issued last year indicates that the complete digitization of the Arab economy can raise per capita GDP by no less than 46% over the next 30 years, equivalent to $1.6 trillion, and adds that this The increase will be more noticeable in the lower-income countries in the region, stressing that the development of the Arab digital economy requires providing an appropriate and supportive environment for digital companies, especially small and medium ones, and establishing the appropriate infrastructure for establishing business incubators, training young people on small entrepreneurship, and motivating them to establish digital companies and establish electronic platforms. dealing with trade and services.I always emphasize the importance of supporting these projects because of their importance in reducing unemployment and encouraging innovation. Looking at the Arab digital economy market will clearly notice that telecommunications companies and financial and banking services institutions control the bulk of it, while small and medium-sized companies represent only a small percentage.

His Excellency then referred to some of the achievements and gains made during the last year, including the adoption of the “Arab Vision for the Digital Economy” initiative presented by the UAE to the Arab Summit in Algeria, and the adoption of the Arab strategy for communications known as the “Arab Digital Agenda” during the work of the Arab Summit held last week in The city of Jeddah and the launch of the Arab digital platform for sustainable development, in addition to the efforts made by Arab organizations and federations, including the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, which signed a memorandum of understanding in Abu Dhabi to establish the Arab digital market for foodstuffs in cooperation with a number of Arab League organizations, government agencies and Emirati companies.

He stressed the importance of the federation updating the Arab vision of the digital economy to keep pace with the changes that occurred in the technological, international and Arab arenas, and to maintain its flexibility and suitability with the current conditions. To be an integral component within the Arab business environment that is eager for such valuable additions. Once again, he thanked the UAE leadership and people for their hospitality and hospitality. Wishing success for this global event.

Dubai

The Arab Union for Digital Economy launched the “Initiative to Qualify One Million Arab Entrepreneurs” in cooperation with the Digital Platform Company for Entrepreneurship Development (EntreViable), during the conference and exhibition of digital economy technologies “Seamless 2023”, which is held at the Convention and Exhibition Center in Dubai and continues on May 23-24. 2023 sponsored by the League of Arab States.

The initiative emanating from the Arab vision for the digital economy is concerned with empowering Arab youth and refining them with knowledge and professional skills in entrepreneurship. The initiative targets university and college students, innovators and inventors, as well as owners of emerging entrepreneurial projects to meet the challenges of the modern era, represented by growing unemployment rates, limited job opportunities and achieving sustainable income.

The initiative aims to provide the necessary facilities for entrepreneurs to start their projects to reach one million Arab entrepreneurs within two years, to launch 10,000 projects and startups, and to develop an information bank that includes tens of thousands of innovative ideas.

Through this free initiative, “one million Arab entrepreneurs” will have access to a modern digital platform, through which they will be able to obtain digital training on how to start entrepreneurial projects, develop innovative digital entrepreneurial ideas, prepare work plans for digital entrepreneurial projects and apply for financing and investment sources in cooperation. With government and community institutions for the purposes of adopting and sponsoring this initiative from Arab governments, and the active community contribution from the private sector to sponsor entrepreneurs.