Rating agency Moodys said that Saudi Arabias efforts to reign in spending would slow the growth of its non-hydrocarbon sector, seen as an important step in diversifying the economy away from oil revenues
Technology
Misk Foundation, General Assembly launch pilot phase of skills training programme

60 per cent of the enrollees in the pilot phase of the programme were women. (Image source: Misk Foundation)
The Misk Foundation has launched a pilot technology skills training programme for Saudi youth in partnership with education company General Assembly, which saw majority participation from women
World Bank says service sector growth, digital investment could boost job growth in MENA region

The World Bank says the service sector could create more jobs in the MENA region. (Image source: World Bank Photo Collection/Flickr)
Investments in digital technologies could potentially lead to a growth in service sector jobs in major Middle East and North African cities, according to the World Bank
SAMENA Summit 2018 to focus on the Middle East?s digital economy

The event will address the growing relevance of 5G in transforming digital economy throughout the world. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
SAMENA Telecommunications Council has announced that its annual Leaders? Summit will be held on 3 May 2018, with the patronage of Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the UAE
?Smart cities? investment to boost Oman's IT market

Port of Duqm plans to appoint a consultancy firm to help turn it into a "smart port". (Image source: Darren Pullen/ Flickr)
Industry experts at COMEX Oman said Omans IT market would see a boost from the investment in ?smart cities?