Page 138 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Iraq

Iraq’s Ministry of Communications announced a major leap in commitment to launching additional development initiatives and
internet usage over the last five years. The ministry said that, based infrastructure projects in partnership with both public and private
on official data from the International Telecommunication Union sectors, aimed at advancing Iraq’s digital transformation and
(ITU), the penetration reached a record 82.9% of the population building a modern, integrated telecommunications network.
by the end of 2024, up from just 44.3% in 2019. It affirmed a (July 14,2025) www.shafaq.com

Jordan

Prince Hussein marked a proud milestone in modernizing Jordan’s the innovative systems and services. The future King’s latest
healthcare system. The Crown Prince of Jordan took to his official initiative earner him immense praise and appreciation from fans,
Instagram account to share a joyful update, revealing that he has who shared their support through comments. “May Allah protect
inaugurated the country’s first-ever digital health center. He noted and take care of you, His Highness the Prince,” wished one. Another
that the center will help bridge the gaps in rare medical fields while admired, “A quality achievement befits Your Highness's vision for
reducing the burden on patients. Proudly announcing the major the future of Jordan, where technology meets human service.
launch, Prince Hussein captioned, “Proud to inaugurate the Jordan The Digital Health Center is a pioneering step that reflects your
Digital Health Center, a milestone in modernizing healthcare concern for the development of the medical sector and making the
services.” He continued, “By providing telemedicine and smart lives of citizens easier. We are proud of you and all that you do for
resource management systems, the center helps bridge gaps in the country.” Prince Hussein is the eldest child of King Abdullah II
rare medical specialties while saving patients time and effort.” and Queen Rania, and the first in the line to the Jordanian throne.
During his visit, the Jordanian Prince looked handsome in a blue (July 30, 2025) www.jang.com.pk
suit with a matching tie as he explored the center and learnt about

Kuwait

The Communication and Information Technology Regulatory crucial intermediaries delivering services on behalf of licensed
Authority (CITRA) of Kuwait announced the launch of 5G telecom operators. This initiative seeks to enhance transparency,
Advanced technology, marking a significant upgrade to the governance, and service quality in Kuwait’s rapidly evolving
country’s digital infrastructure and a foundational step toward telecom sector. The draft, titled “Regulations for Mobile and Virtual
future 6G deployment. Acting Chairman Sheikh Athbi Jaber Al- Telecommunications Services Distributors,” is currently open for
Sabah stated that 5G Advanced delivers speeds up to 3 Gbps public consultation, emphasizing CITRA’s participatory approach.
with low latency, representing a major leap forward for Kuwait’s Stakeholders—including telecom operators, legal experts, and
telecom sector. CITRA is collaborating with telecom providers to distributors—are invited to provide feedback to ensure balanced
establish a supportive regulatory framework, enabling public and regulation that encourages investment while facilitating ease
private sectors to capitalize on investment opportunities in digital of doing business. Key licensing requirements for authorized
infrastructure. Kuwait is among the first countries worldwide to distributors include having a valid commercial license, operational
adopt 5G Advanced, reinforcing its leadership in cutting-edge presence with at least ten branches, formal agreements with
technologies and its status as a regional digital hub. telecom operators, workforce quota compliance, submission of
(July 1, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com detailed business and technical plans, and payment of a KWD
5,000 non-refundable fee plus a bank guarantee. Licenses will be
The Communications and Information Technology Regulatory valid for one year and processed within 21 business days. The draft
Authority (CITRA) has unveiled draft regulations aimed at governing outlines obligations for telecom providers, mandating exclusive
mobile and virtual telecommunications service distributors, collaboration with CITRA-licensed distributors, system integration,

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