2002
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UAE's IT spending to slow in 2003
The growth in IT spending in the UAE will decline to 11.8 per cent for 2003, according to IDC estimates. This is still a positive growth rate but is lower than in recent years. IDC expects growth in IT spending to come mainly from the small and medium enterprise sector and not from larger government, banking and energy entities.
StanChart rolls out eBBS
Standard Chartered Bank has rolled out a comprehensive new banking software, eBBS, in the UAE which is fully Internet compatible and replaces older legacy systems. Over the next year the eBBS system will be introduced across the Middle East.
Ajmal website sales grow
Ajmal Perfumes has reported a 15 per cent rise in monthly sales from its website for oriental and western fragrances since its relaunch earlier this year. The website has received 490,000 hits in this period.
ANB Nucleus software deal
India's Nucleus Software Exports has signed a half-a-million dollar deal with Saudi Arabia's Arab National Bank (ANB).
ANB, Nucleus' first customer in the region, will install Nucleus' FinnOne solution suite.
ANB, Nucleus' first customer in the region, will install Nucleus' FinnOne solution suite.
Telco lliberalisation in Bahrain
Bahrain has announced a timetable for liberalising its monopolised telecommunications sector, starting with the establishment of a Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to oversee the industry's transformation to an open market.
The Telecommunications Committee also revealed a second mobile license is scheduled for 2003 as well as multiple licenses for internet services.
The Telecommunications Committee also revealed a second mobile license is scheduled for 2003 as well as multiple licenses for internet services.
E-Vision offers latest movies
Etisalat cable TV subsidiary E-Vision is now offering recent movies through its eView service. Titles available in December include The Others, The Muskateer, Heartbreakers, Mothman Prophecies, The Gift, and Spy Kids.
USD5m Kish Island GSM contract
Siemens has won a USD5m contract to set up a GSM network on Iran's Kish Island, a delapidated free zone off the coast of southern Iran. Kish Island is also a tourist destination, although mainly used for visa runs from the Gulf states.
UAE health ministry, e-fingerprinting
The UAE ministry of health is to introduce a system based on electronic fingerprinting to monitor the number of hours worked by officials, reported Gulf News. The main ministry buildings in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will have the system operational after the Eid holiday.
Mydsf.com records 30m hits
The Mydsf.com website has recorded 30m hits in its server log-file so far this year. This is the official website of the Dubai Shopping Festival which runs starts on January 15 this year. Interestingly 23 per cent of visitors to the website were from the USA, although Dubai has very few US tourists. Website log-files allow much more accurate tracking than the traditional media.
STC sells prestige mobile numbers
The Saudi Telecom Company has sold off prestige mobile telephone numbers at an auction for USD40,000 to USD81,300, according to Al Ittissadiya. The pre-paid card numbers included 11111111 and 22222222. The buyers were wealthy Saudi businessmen.
Arabic website for HK's trade body
Hong Kong's trade development council has launched an Arabic website, www.arabic.tdctrade.com. This website is full of business opportunities with Hong Kong, a traditional entry point to mainland China. It comes at a time of mounting interest in the development of trade links between China and the Middle East.
Citibank's Net kiosks
Citibank UAE has set up special Internet kiosks at selected branches in conjunction with Emirates Internet and Multimedia. The state-of-the-art kiosks, starting with Citibank's Al Wasl branch, will provide Citibank customers instant access to banking services on the Net, including Citibank Online at www.citibank.co.ae.
Oracle, HP server tie-up
Oracle and HP have announced a three-year, worldwide agreement to develop, market and deliver middleware solutions based on Oracle9i Application Server and HP's platforms. The agreement is designed to simplify the creation and integration of business applications and Web services on Linux, Unix, Microsoft Windows, and on Intel Itanium-based systems with jointly tested and optimized server solutions.
Thuraya offers docking device
Thuraya has introduced a docking device that extends usage of all Thuraya services into an indoor environment and provides a recharging base station for the Thuraya satellite mobile phone. Thuraya services comprise satellite, GSM and GPS using voice, data, fax as well as SMS. Moreover, the VDA device has an integrated speakerphone, radio mute capability, voice mute button, volume controls and an external auxiliary handset. The VDA package also includes satellite, GSM and GPS external antennas.
Website for English teachers
The BBC World and British Council have joined forces to launch a new website for English teachers, www.teachinenglish.org.uk. It provides a rich resource of audio files and documents for English teachers online. Some 5,000 people have joined an initial mailing list.
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