The Arab region, where more than 30 per cent population is below the age of 30, needs to start creating technology and invest in youth in order to harness best results out of the region's unified digital strategy, experts said.
The Arab Digital Economy Strategy, which was launched in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, is an initiative to establish digital inclusion and alignment on legislative and technological infrastructure across the 22-member Arab League.
"Initially there were some benchmarks to catch up but now Arab countries are aiming to surpass them. But in order to do that, we need a strong push in terms of research and development," Richard Kerby, head of the review committee of the Arab Digital Economy Strategy, told The National.
“It is very important to start creating our own technology and applications from being just users. There are young men and women, who are IT savvy…. more investment should be made in honing their skills."
The region enjoys comparatively higher internet penetration and that is one of the main drivers of digital inclusion.
Internet penetration in the Middle East reached 64.5 per cent at the end of March while it was close to 55 per cent in the rest of the world, according to Statista. UAE and Bahrain boast of nearly 100 per cent smartphone penetration versus 80 per cent in the US.
“There is a huge young population, presenting immense potential for digital adoption,” said Atef Helmy, former communications and IT minister of Egypt.
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Information technology spending in Middle East and North Africa is projected to reach $155 billion by the end of 2018, a 3.4 per cent increase from 2017, according to researcher Gartner.
Hesham Dinana, head of research team for the Arab Digital Economy Strategy, said that they have kept human element first while drafting the policy.
“The digital economy is not about technology, but it is about creating value. Therefore, we are emphasising on finding innovative ways to create value that puts humans first,” said Mr Dinana.
“Having a more human-centric strategy is more relevant in the Arab world where one of the main wealth is (young) people. They are imaginative, creative and will be the drivers of digital economy.”
Sugary teas and iced coffees
The tax authority is yet to release a list of the taxed products, but it appears likely that sugary iced teas and cold coffees will be hit.
For instance, the non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.
Cold coffee brands are likely to be hit too. Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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The five pillars of Islam
Singham Again
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Rating: 3/5
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- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
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If you go
The flights
The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings
The stay
Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
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Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
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Guillermo Vilas - 659
Manuel Orantes - 501
Thomas Muster - 422
Rafael Nadal - 399 *
Jose Higueras - 378
Eddie Dibbs - 370
Ilie Nastase - 338
Carlos Moya - 337
Ivan Lendl - 329
Andres Gomez - 322
Three ways to limit your social media use
Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.
1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.
2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information.
3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.
