Page 70 - SAMENA Trends - March-April 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

PTA urges the public to report any such illegal activities to help He also expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s recognition as a G5
maintain a secure and regulated digital environment. These actions Regulator by the ITU, which reflects Pakistan’s regulatory excellence
underscore the Authority’s dedication to ensuring compliance with and commitment to digital advancement. Chairman PTA invited
telecom regulations and protecting consumers from potential Her Excellency the ITU Secretary-General to visit Pakistan and
misuse of illegally obtained SIM cards. (March 12, 2025) www.pta.gov.pk explore opportunities for collaborative initiatives, including hosting
an international telecom event in Pakistan. He also emphasized
Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major that PTA officers are keen to actively contribute to ITU’s working
General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, met with Her Excellency Secretary- groups, with one of PTA’s officers currently participating in the
General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Ms. Child Online Protection Working Group (CWG-COP) of the ITU
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, on the sidelines of the GSMA Mobile Council. The engagement underscored PTA’s proactive role in
World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. The discussion shaping the future of telecommunications, fostering international
reaffirmed PTA’s commitment to global cooperation and innovation collaboration, and leveraging global expertise to accelerate digital
in the telecommunications sector. The meeting focused on PTA’s progress. The discussions concluded with a mutual understanding
ongoing and future initiatives, regulatory advancements, and to enhance cooperation for sustainable and inclusive digital
Pakistan’s digital transformation efforts. Chairman PTA highlighted growth, reinforcing Pakistan’s position as a key player in the
key regulatory measures aimed at fostering technological growth, evolving telecom landscape. (March 5, 2025) www.pta.gov.pk
enhancing connectivity, and ensuring a robust telecom ecosystem.

Qatar

Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, fostering a knowledge-based economy and digital transformation.
emphasized that Qatar’s hosting of the Mobile World Congress The Minister also noted that MWC serves as a platform for
(MWC) 2025 in Barcelona underscores the country’s commitment international cooperation and dialogue, which will bolster Qatar’s
to becoming a global leader in digital innovation. In his remarks to communication and digital transformation sectors. This hosting
Qatar News Agency, he stated that MWC represents a significant also supports Qatar National Vision 2030 by enhancing digital
opportunity for Qatar to advance its digital and economic goals, skills, diversifying the economy, and encouraging investments in
aligning with the nation’s broader Vision 2030 objectives. He innovative sectors. Al-Mannai further stressed that MWC plays
highlighted that MWC contributes to strengthening Qatar’s a vital role in showcasing Qatar’s technological advancements,
position as both a regional and global technology hub, attracting including in AI, smart cities, and 5G technologies, while also
industry leaders, executives, experts, and investors from around attracting investments and partnerships to enhance its digital
the world. The event focuses on key technological sectors such infrastructure. Through such initiatives, Qatar continues to build its
as artificial intelligence, IoT, cloud computing, data centers, reputation as a leading global destination for technology events.
and 5G technologies, which are essential to Qatar’s vision of (March 7, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com

Saudi Arabia

H.E. Dr. Mohammad bin Saud Altamimi, the Governor of the with the goal of enhancing the user experience through integrated
Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) met technical services and developed infrastructure specifically
with various governmental entities participating in serving visitors provided to serve the visitors of the Grand Mosque in Makkah for
of Makkah during Ramadan 2025. During his visit, H.E. held a Hajj or Umrah. (March 24, 2025) new.cst.gov.sa
meeting with officials from the Royal Commission for Makkah City
and Holy Sites, The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Eng. Omar ALRejraje, Regulation and Competition Sector Deputy
Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, the Pilgrims Experience Governor headed the Communications, Space and Technology
Program (PEP) and Telecom Service Provider Field Commanders , Commission (CST) delegation participating in the Mobile World
in order to ensure the best experience for worshippers throughout Congress (MWC) which organized by the Global System for Mobile
their visit to Makkah and Madinah, and to promote the Kingdom’s Communications Association (GSMA), which was held from
image in serving the Two Holy Mosques. The visitation stems from March 3-6, 2025, in Barcelona, Spain. Through its participation
the CST's major role as regulator of the ICT sector in the Kingdom, CST aims to enhance efforts and key role in accelerating the

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