😍 Dubai intensifies cooperation with Binance //
In an interview with Arab News, the regional head of MENA Richard Teng said that Binance Holdings would offer its products to top institutions and accredited investors. In its first phase of operations, the company aims to expand its client list by offering many products.
Last week, Binance received an official licence from Dubai's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, which will help the company develop in line with Dubai's "test-adapt-scale" model for digital asset markets.
@kod_ae
In an interview with Arab News, the regional head of MENA Richard Teng said that Binance Holdings would offer its products to top institutions and accredited investors. In its first phase of operations, the company aims to expand its client list by offering many products.
Last week, Binance received an official licence from Dubai's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, which will help the company develop in line with Dubai's "test-adapt-scale" model for digital asset markets.
@kod_ae
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🤖 Telegram introduced the first paid messenger integration tool //
On April 16, Telegram received a major update with a new generation of bots. In the official documentation Telegram Info reviewers found that attaching a bot to an attachment menu is not free. However, other integration methods and the full functionality of web bots are free.
Bot developers can integrate their products in three ways: via the bottom left menu, inline buttons, and the keyboard button. These tools are available to everyone for free.
@kod_ae
On April 16, Telegram received a major update with a new generation of bots. In the official documentation Telegram Info reviewers found that attaching a bot to an attachment menu is not free. However, other integration methods and the full functionality of web bots are free.
Bot developers can integrate their products in three ways: via the bottom left menu, inline buttons, and the keyboard button. These tools are available to everyone for free.
@kod_ae
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👩✈️Security vs freedom //
Saudi Arabia will continue blocking call facilities on apps that do not comply with regulatory and safety protocols in the country. Abdullah Al-Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, explained that the regulations set by the kingdom aim at maintaining the confidentiality of customers’ data.
Viber and WhatsApp voice and video call services remain blocked in Saudi Arabia while citizens are allowed to use Telegram, Skype, Snapchat, Line, and Tango services.
@kod_ae
Saudi Arabia will continue blocking call facilities on apps that do not comply with regulatory and safety protocols in the country. Abdullah Al-Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, explained that the regulations set by the kingdom aim at maintaining the confidentiality of customers’ data.
Viber and WhatsApp voice and video call services remain blocked in Saudi Arabia while citizens are allowed to use Telegram, Skype, Snapchat, Line, and Tango services.
@kod_ae
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🖥 🕌 A 'Meta Ramadan Majlis' in Metaverse //
Dubai hosted a Meta Ramadan Majlis on Saturday night during the month of Ramadan. For the first time, the traditional gathering was held in the metaverse. It is a virtual environment which people can enter to with virtual reality headsets, allowing virtual characters to interact with each other by applying the metaverse functions.
The event was organised by a women's group working with cultural representatives, Chikara Global and Biennale.io ecosystem. The Majlis welcomed experts and young people who expressed interest in the possibilities of the metaverse as a space for the creative community development.
@kod_ae
Dubai hosted a Meta Ramadan Majlis on Saturday night during the month of Ramadan. For the first time, the traditional gathering was held in the metaverse. It is a virtual environment which people can enter to with virtual reality headsets, allowing virtual characters to interact with each other by applying the metaverse functions.
The event was organised by a women's group working with cultural representatives, Chikara Global and Biennale.io ecosystem. The Majlis welcomed experts and young people who expressed interest in the possibilities of the metaverse as a space for the creative community development.
@kod_ae
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💡Another historic update //
Telegram introduced numerous improvements this weekend. Among them is support for more languages in message translations (to turn on the Translate button, head to Settings > Languages). As Telegram has become the main source of information from Ukraine, all public channel posts in Ukrainian now always offer the translate button by default.
Also now developers can create infinitely flexible interfaces for supercharged bots using JavaScript.
@kod_ae
Telegram introduced numerous improvements this weekend. Among them is support for more languages in message translations (to turn on the Translate button, head to Settings > Languages). As Telegram has become the main source of information from Ukraine, all public channel posts in Ukrainian now always offer the translate button by default.
Also now developers can create infinitely flexible interfaces for supercharged bots using JavaScript.
@kod_ae
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🇦🇪Massive changes in the UAE visa system //
The UAE announced huge changes to its visa system, introducing a five-year tourist visa as well as Green Residence for skilled employees while expanding the Golden Visa programme.
According to the new executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners the UAE now offers a variety of visa types for different visit purposes.
Green Residence: a new type of visa that provides a 5-years residency for skilled employees, without sponsor or employer. This is particularly important for freelancers and self-employed individuals.
Job Exploration Entry Visa: a new type of visa that does not require a sponsor. It can be granted to the individuals classified in the first three levels (out of five existing to date) as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation as well as fresh graduates of the best 500 universities in the world.
Tourist Visa: a new five-year multi-entry tourist visa was introduced. This type of visa allows a person to stay in the UAE for up to 90 continuous days and it may be extended for a similar period.
Golden Residence: some amendments were introduced to the scheme in order to simplify the eligibility criteria and expand the categories of beneficiaries. Such 10-years residence can be granted to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and the first line heroes.
@kod_ae
The UAE announced huge changes to its visa system, introducing a five-year tourist visa as well as Green Residence for skilled employees while expanding the Golden Visa programme.
According to the new executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners the UAE now offers a variety of visa types for different visit purposes.
Green Residence: a new type of visa that provides a 5-years residency for skilled employees, without sponsor or employer. This is particularly important for freelancers and self-employed individuals.
Job Exploration Entry Visa: a new type of visa that does not require a sponsor. It can be granted to the individuals classified in the first three levels (out of five existing to date) as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation as well as fresh graduates of the best 500 universities in the world.
Tourist Visa: a new five-year multi-entry tourist visa was introduced. This type of visa allows a person to stay in the UAE for up to 90 continuous days and it may be extended for a similar period.
Golden Residence: some amendments were introduced to the scheme in order to simplify the eligibility criteria and expand the categories of beneficiaries. Such 10-years residence can be granted to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and the first line heroes.
@kod_ae
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💼 New “Wallet” Interface Screenshots //
Google Commerce President Bill Reedy said that Google Pay “will focus more on becoming a 'comprehensive digital wallet' that includes digital tickets, plane passes and vaccine passports". Google Pay is still the brand for contactless payments, but the interface for all digital cards could be called Wallet.
Google Play services have received an update, and the "Add to Wallet" screen now has this card at the bottom, which says "Add boarding passes, event tickets and more". Look for the "Add to Google Wallet" button online and on Google".
@kod_ae
Google Commerce President Bill Reedy said that Google Pay “will focus more on becoming a 'comprehensive digital wallet' that includes digital tickets, plane passes and vaccine passports". Google Pay is still the brand for contactless payments, but the interface for all digital cards could be called Wallet.
Google Play services have received an update, and the "Add to Wallet" screen now has this card at the bottom, which says "Add boarding passes, event tickets and more". Look for the "Add to Google Wallet" button online and on Google".
@kod_ae
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🪙 Toncoin donation collection hit all records //
Two weeks ago, TON channel published a donation address that would allow the Foundation to develop the ecosystem more actively.
The community supported this initiative, and today the amount of donations has reached more than 1 billion USD in equivalent (500M+ $TON).
This event is the largest cryptocurrency raise of all time.
@kod_ae
Two weeks ago, TON channel published a donation address that would allow the Foundation to develop the ecosystem more actively.
The community supported this initiative, and today the amount of donations has reached more than 1 billion USD in equivalent (500M+ $TON).
This event is the largest cryptocurrency raise of all time.
@kod_ae
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👩👧👦Emirati start-up aims to ease 'supermum' pressures //
Sharjah-based mental health app Maternally will offer mothers access to mental healthcare professionals and social networking.
The founder of the company Yasmine El Mouallem says women today try to live up to impossible standards of being a perfect mother and barely pause to reflect on their mental state. The pandemic has only exacerbated the problem.
The app is scheduled to launch in June 2022 and will provide mental well-being services to women through access to professional therapists, evidence-based articles and a social support network of other mothers.
Following the pandemic mental health start-ups began getting increasingly more attention from investors. Global funding for such start-ups reached $5.5 billion in 2021, more than doubling from $2.3bn in 2020.
@kod_ae
Sharjah-based mental health app Maternally will offer mothers access to mental healthcare professionals and social networking.
The founder of the company Yasmine El Mouallem says women today try to live up to impossible standards of being a perfect mother and barely pause to reflect on their mental state. The pandemic has only exacerbated the problem.
The app is scheduled to launch in June 2022 and will provide mental well-being services to women through access to professional therapists, evidence-based articles and a social support network of other mothers.
Following the pandemic mental health start-ups began getting increasingly more attention from investors. Global funding for such start-ups reached $5.5 billion in 2021, more than doubling from $2.3bn in 2020.
@kod_ae
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🌑 Flight to the Metaverse //
The Emirates airline has announced the launch of projects in the metaverse and the release of its NFTs. The company's management wants to improve the quality of services provided to passengers and enhance their experience in the metaverse.
In addition, Emirates will repurpose its pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai into an innovation center where visitors can contribute to the airline's future projects including metaverse, NFTs and Web3.
@kod_ae
The Emirates airline has announced the launch of projects in the metaverse and the release of its NFTs. The company's management wants to improve the quality of services provided to passengers and enhance their experience in the metaverse.
In addition, Emirates will repurpose its pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai into an innovation center where visitors can contribute to the airline's future projects including metaverse, NFTs and Web3.
@kod_ae
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🚙 Smart Service Makes It Easier to Get About //
Transport Authority - Ajman and Udrive developed a new smart service to rent vehicles. It allows residents and visitors of the city to hire vehicles through a special application. The rental price includes fuel and parking.
Transport Authority intends to expand vehicle rental options for customers by supporting taxis, limousines and smart rental services through Udrive, as the demand for this service is constantly growing.
@kod_ae
Transport Authority - Ajman and Udrive developed a new smart service to rent vehicles. It allows residents and visitors of the city to hire vehicles through a special application. The rental price includes fuel and parking.
Transport Authority intends to expand vehicle rental options for customers by supporting taxis, limousines and smart rental services through Udrive, as the demand for this service is constantly growing.
@kod_ae
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🤖Emiratis believe AI is better than humans //
A study published by Oracle revealed that about 75% of people surveyed in the UAE believe artificial intelligence-powered bots will do a more successful job than people when it comes to corporate sustainability.
Moreover, 96% of respondents believe it is the artificial intelligence that can help businesses make more progress towards achieving ESG goals while 74% think bots will succeed where humans failed.
A recent PwC report stated that of the total global benefits of AI in 2030 the Middle East will accrue 2 percent, with Saudi Arabia accounting for half of the expected growth and UAE taking second place.
@kod_ae
A study published by Oracle revealed that about 75% of people surveyed in the UAE believe artificial intelligence-powered bots will do a more successful job than people when it comes to corporate sustainability.
Moreover, 96% of respondents believe it is the artificial intelligence that can help businesses make more progress towards achieving ESG goals while 74% think bots will succeed where humans failed.
A recent PwC report stated that of the total global benefits of AI in 2030 the Middle East will accrue 2 percent, with Saudi Arabia accounting for half of the expected growth and UAE taking second place.
@kod_ae
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😴 Tesla workers will sleep in the factory //
Tesla reopened its factory in Shanghai amid new lockdown. The city authorities encourage companies to get workers back into workplaces while maintaining the China's zero-covid strategies. The workers will now have to live in the factory.
According to Bloomberg reports, each worker will be provided with a sleeping bag and mattresses, with designated areas for sleeping, showering, eating, and relaxation.
@kod_ae
Tesla reopened its factory in Shanghai amid new lockdown. The city authorities encourage companies to get workers back into workplaces while maintaining the China's zero-covid strategies. The workers will now have to live in the factory.
According to Bloomberg reports, each worker will be provided with a sleeping bag and mattresses, with designated areas for sleeping, showering, eating, and relaxation.
@kod_ae
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🍽 Investments in Foodtech //
Sequoia Capital India and Prosus NV have made a $170 million investment in Saudi food and beverage technology startup Foodics.
Foodics will use the proceeds to expand its services and enter new countries. According to Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Al Zaini, the company is considering acquiring of its rivals and will expand into fintech once it receives a license from the Saudi Central Bank.
Foodics, which offers restaurant management software, digital payments and microloans, last raised $20 million from investors in early 2021. Al-Zaini said the company has enough funding to continue operating for the next two to three years, after which it will consider an initial public offering.
@kod_ae
Sequoia Capital India and Prosus NV have made a $170 million investment in Saudi food and beverage technology startup Foodics.
Foodics will use the proceeds to expand its services and enter new countries. According to Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Al Zaini, the company is considering acquiring of its rivals and will expand into fintech once it receives a license from the Saudi Central Bank.
Foodics, which offers restaurant management software, digital payments and microloans, last raised $20 million from investors in early 2021. Al-Zaini said the company has enough funding to continue operating for the next two to three years, after which it will consider an initial public offering.
@kod_ae
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🏪 The First AR-mall in the Middle East //
Snap Inc. has launched the Middle East and North Africa region's first augmented reality-powered virtual mall for the month of Ramadan.
The virtual mall can be accessed through Snapchat World Lens on the social media platform's outward-facing camera, where shoppers will be able to browse the participating brands' virtual stores. Then customers can go to the brand's website where they can purchase items.
The virtual mall will include brands such as Al Futtaim, IKEA, Namshi, L'Oreal and Samsung.
@kod_ae
Snap Inc. has launched the Middle East and North Africa region's first augmented reality-powered virtual mall for the month of Ramadan.
The virtual mall can be accessed through Snapchat World Lens on the social media platform's outward-facing camera, where shoppers will be able to browse the participating brands' virtual stores. Then customers can go to the brand's website where they can purchase items.
The virtual mall will include brands such as Al Futtaim, IKEA, Namshi, L'Oreal and Samsung.
@kod_ae
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🚙 Tesla Exceeds All Expectations //
According to Tesla Q1 2022 Report, earnings per share were $3.22 against expectations of $2.26, revenue reached $18.76 billion versus forecasts of $17.80 billion. Automotive revenues reached $16.86 billion, up 87% in comparison with the same period last year, partly due to the increasing number of deliveries and average selling price.
Tesla said it still expects to achieve 50% average annual growth in vehicle deliveries. However, the company warned that it had lost about a month at its Shanghai factory because of COVID-related temporal shutdowns. In addition, Tesla warned about supply chain difficulties throughout the entire year.
@kod_ae
According to Tesla Q1 2022 Report, earnings per share were $3.22 against expectations of $2.26, revenue reached $18.76 billion versus forecasts of $17.80 billion. Automotive revenues reached $16.86 billion, up 87% in comparison with the same period last year, partly due to the increasing number of deliveries and average selling price.
Tesla said it still expects to achieve 50% average annual growth in vehicle deliveries. However, the company warned that it had lost about a month at its Shanghai factory because of COVID-related temporal shutdowns. In addition, Tesla warned about supply chain difficulties throughout the entire year.
@kod_ae
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🌅 The cradle of civilization //
According to one of Egyptian research centres the country is becoming a new tech heaven. In 2021 560 start-ups were founded in Egypt, most of them specializing in e-commerce, fintech and medtech. In 2020 Egyptian start-ups received 190 $mln in investment, with 77% of the money coming from abroad.
Recently Egyptian IT sector has been growing increasingly fast, achieving 16% growth last year. At the same time investments are limited mostly to the country's capital, as Cairo based companies receive more than 90% of all the money.
@kod_ae
According to one of Egyptian research centres the country is becoming a new tech heaven. In 2021 560 start-ups were founded in Egypt, most of them specializing in e-commerce, fintech and medtech. In 2020 Egyptian start-ups received 190 $mln in investment, with 77% of the money coming from abroad.
Recently Egyptian IT sector has been growing increasingly fast, achieving 16% growth last year. At the same time investments are limited mostly to the country's capital, as Cairo based companies receive more than 90% of all the money.
@kod_ae
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✈️ Pavel Durov became UAE citizen in February 2021 //
According to Russian Forbes the founder of Telegram Pavel Durov received UAE citizenship in February 2021. A source close to Pavel Durov confirmed this information to our channel.
Already being a citizen of three countries - France, Russian and Saint Kitts and Nevis - he thus obtained his fourth citizenship.
The UAE has always been famous for having a very strict nationality law which effectively banned foreigners from becoming an Emirati citizen. It was only in February 2021 that the country announced its new policy allowing prominent individuals to obtain the Emirati nationality under "certain conditions". Famous investors, doctors, specialists, inventors, scientists, artists and their families could thus become UAE citizens. It is important to note that one cannot apply for the citizenship - a foreigner must be nominated for it by UAE royals or officials.
The UAE citizens enjoy a wide set of benefits ranging from visa-free entrance to 167 countries to registering assets and establishing new companies without any restrictions and red tape.
@kod_ae
According to Russian Forbes the founder of Telegram Pavel Durov received UAE citizenship in February 2021. A source close to Pavel Durov confirmed this information to our channel.
Already being a citizen of three countries - France, Russian and Saint Kitts and Nevis - he thus obtained his fourth citizenship.
The UAE has always been famous for having a very strict nationality law which effectively banned foreigners from becoming an Emirati citizen. It was only in February 2021 that the country announced its new policy allowing prominent individuals to obtain the Emirati nationality under "certain conditions". Famous investors, doctors, specialists, inventors, scientists, artists and their families could thus become UAE citizens. It is important to note that one cannot apply for the citizenship - a foreigner must be nominated for it by UAE royals or officials.
The UAE citizens enjoy a wide set of benefits ranging from visa-free entrance to 167 countries to registering assets and establishing new companies without any restrictions and red tape.
@kod_ae
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📱 Gaming in the MENA gets a new impulse //
Shorooq Partners, an Abu Dhabi-based venture capital firm, launched SHFT Build, a founder programme for the MENA, aimed at supporting entrepreneurs.
The first edition of the programme is said to focus on gaming technology, making it the first such platform in the region. The platform has already attracted many partners all over the globe with Amazon Web Services and Unity Technologies being among them.
Gaming market revenue in the MENA grew 15% this year, surpassing $6.5bn. The UAE, in particular, has become a gaming hotbed with mobile gamers on the rise. The Emirates was also ranked fifth globally for gaming influencers.
@kod_ae
Shorooq Partners, an Abu Dhabi-based venture capital firm, launched SHFT Build, a founder programme for the MENA, aimed at supporting entrepreneurs.
The first edition of the programme is said to focus on gaming technology, making it the first such platform in the region. The platform has already attracted many partners all over the globe with Amazon Web Services and Unity Technologies being among them.
Gaming market revenue in the MENA grew 15% this year, surpassing $6.5bn. The UAE, in particular, has become a gaming hotbed with mobile gamers on the rise. The Emirates was also ranked fifth globally for gaming influencers.
@kod_ae
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📝 Lobbying Amid Pressure //
Apple Inc. spent a record $2.5 million on lobbying in the first 3 months of 2022.
Apple's expenses rose by 34% from the $1.86 million the company spent in the fourth quarter of 2021. The last record was set in the second quarter of 2017, when Apple spent $2.2 million on lobbying services.
Google spent $2.96 million in the first three months of 2022. That's a 34% increase over the previous quarter, but it's the same amount the company spent in the first quarter of 2021.
Microsoft Corp. said that it spent $2.5 million on lobbying in the first quarter, an increase of 2.8% over the previous quarter.
Amazon spent just under $5 million, up 1% from the previous quarter.
Meta spent $5.39 million on lobbying in the first quarter, down slightly from the previous quarter.
The increase in lobbying costs are related to U.S. antitrust bills.
@kod_ae
Apple Inc. spent a record $2.5 million on lobbying in the first 3 months of 2022.
Apple's expenses rose by 34% from the $1.86 million the company spent in the fourth quarter of 2021. The last record was set in the second quarter of 2017, when Apple spent $2.2 million on lobbying services.
Google spent $2.96 million in the first three months of 2022. That's a 34% increase over the previous quarter, but it's the same amount the company spent in the first quarter of 2021.
Microsoft Corp. said that it spent $2.5 million on lobbying in the first quarter, an increase of 2.8% over the previous quarter.
Amazon spent just under $5 million, up 1% from the previous quarter.
Meta spent $5.39 million on lobbying in the first quarter, down slightly from the previous quarter.
The increase in lobbying costs are related to U.S. antitrust bills.
@kod_ae
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📉 The Loss is Not a Hindrance //
Snap investors were not frightened by the $360 million loss. They continue to invest amid the growth in the number of daily active users.
@kod_ae
Snap investors were not frightened by the $360 million loss. They continue to invest amid the growth in the number of daily active users.
@kod_ae
Durov's Code
Snap Inc. Publishes First Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Snap's first-quarter loss was bigger than a year ago and more than Wall Street expected.
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