Page 136 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATESATORY & POLICY UPDATES
REGUL SAMENA TRENDS

A SNAPSHOT OF REGULATORY ACTIVITIES

IN THE SA-ME-NA REGION

Algeria

Ooredoo Algeria has secured a license to establish and operate Algeria—ranked second among bidders and was awarded the
a public 5G mobile network, marking a major milestone in the license to launch the fifth-generation network and related services.
company’s commitment to innovation and the modernization of This achievement positions Ooredoo to introduce transformative
Algeria’s telecommunications sector. The announcement was 5G technology into Algeria’s digital ecosystem, offering ultra-fast
made in Algiers by the Competitive Tender Commission of the speeds, low latency, and intelligent connectivity. The new network
Regulatory Authority for Post and Electronic Communications is expected to revolutionize connectivity for citizens, businesses,
(ARPCE) during a public session held under Article 15 of Executive and institutions while acting as a catalyst for economic growth
Decree No. 01-124 dated May 9, 2001. Following a rigorous and digital development across vital sectors such as healthcare,
evaluation process based on technical and financial criteria, education, Industry 4.0, transportation, and smart cities.
Ooredoo Algeria—operating under the name Wataniya Telecom (July 7, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com

Bahrain

Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation a high-level committee meeting attended by ministers and key
and Telecommunications of Bahrain, announced the Kingdom’s government officials from various sectors including Foreign
endorsement of Adel Darwish’s candidacy for Deputy Secretary Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications, Cabinet Affairs,
General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The Education, Industry and Commerce, Legal Affairs, and Labour.
Minister highlighted that this nomination underscores Bahrain’s The Interior Minister highlighted Bahrain’s significant progress in
dedication to enhancing its role in international forums and digital transformation, attributing advancements to the directives
supporting national leaders in global organizations. He expressed of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to leverage modern
confidence in Bahrain’s national expertise and their capacity technology for community service and sustainable digital
to contribute meaningfully to global digital transformation and development. He praised the ongoing support from His Royal
guide the ITU’s strategic mission to connect the world via secure, Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince
sustainable, and inclusive technologies. Adel Darwish brings and Prime Minister, whose initiatives have enhanced government
extensive experience in digital policy and telecommunications service efficiency and positioned Bahrain as a global leader in the
regulation, currently serving as Director of the ITU’s Regional United Nations e-Government Index. The committee reviewed
Office for the Arab States. Backed by the Gulf Cooperation Council key agenda topics including a briefing on ICT projects within
and other Arab nations, his candidacy focuses on helping the ITU the diplomatic sector, an executive plan focused on protecting
navigate the digital era and foster inclusive, sustainable digital consumers from electronic fraud and fraudulent transactions
economies through enhanced international collaboration. to boost e-commerce confidence, and draft legislation related
(July 11, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com to the MCICT scheduled for 2025 government legislative plans.
A presentation was also made on a unified template guide for
General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister government websites to standardize digital service delivery.
of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for (July 4, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com
Information and Communication Technology (MCICT), chaired

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