Technology

The Syrian Ministry of Tourism has officially embarked on a sweeping, ambitious digital overhaul, securing a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three prominent technology enterprises from Saudi Arabia.

The Syrian Ministry of Tourism has officially embarked on a sweeping, ambitious digital overhaul, securing a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three prominent technology enterprises from Saudi Arabia.

This landmark collaboration with industry leaders Tamkeen, Cipher, and Hawaz is specifically designed to fast-track the technological evolution of Syria’s tourism landscape. Representing a major, transformative step in the Ministry’s long-term digital strategy, the agreement strategically moves far beyond basic administrative modernisation. Instead, it paves the clear way for a fully integrated digital operating model that will fundamentally reshape the tourism sector and greatly enhance the overall visitor experience.

Pioneering a Unified Digital Ecosystem

At the heart of this international partnership lies the ambitious goal of creating a unified digital platform dedicated to tourism services and seamless bookings. To complement this, the authorities will launch a national digital tourism portal. This comprehensive gateway will provide prospective travellers with vital information concerning destinations, cultural attractions, and events across Syria.

By harnessing the technical prowess of these Saudi firms, the Syrian government intends to revitalise its tourism economy, making the nation's rich heritage more accessible to regional and international markets. Mazen Al-Salhani, the Minister of Tourism, captured the essence of this initiative: “Digital transformation is not simply a technology project—it is a strategic pillar of rebuilding a more competitive, resilient and future-ready tourism sector.” This vision positions emerging technologies as the primary enablers of service innovation and destination competitiveness.

Strengthening Cybersecurity and Data Governance

A transformation of this magnitude necessitates a fortified digital infrastructure. Consequently, the newly signed agreement places a heavy emphasis on strengthening cybersecurity capabilities across the Syrian tourism sector. The Saudi technology trio will play a pivotal role in implementing robust data governance frameworks to ensure all digital operations remain secure.

Furthermore, the partnership involves the development of advanced data collection and analytics systems. By adopting these sophisticated tools, the Ministry of Tourism can guarantee that future policymaking and long-term sector planning are driven by concrete, evidence-based research. Signed formally in Damascus, in the presence of the Minister of Tourism and members of the Syrian-Saudi Business Council, this MoU highlights the growing necessity of public-private partnerships. Such collaborations are essential for executing large-scale digital initiatives that modernise public services and expand the digital economy.

Leveraging International Expertise

Tamkeen, Cipher, and Hawaz bring a wealth of specialised knowledge to this Syrian initiative. Their combined expertise covers digital transformation, government technology, cybersecurity protocols, and institutional modernisation. Crucially, these companies possess extensive experience in supporting digital initiatives that closely align with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Syrian Ministry of Tourism intends to fully leverage this vast experience. By integrating international best practices in digital governance, operational excellence, and user-centric service design, the Ministry aims to cultivate a highly competitive operating environment. This initiative represents a sector-specific milestone within Syria’s broader nationwide digital agenda. It embeds advanced digital capabilities across the entire value chain of the tourism industry, ranging from fundamental government services and destination management to visitor engagement and the facilitation of new investments.

Equipping the Workforce for a Digital Future

Beyond the implementation of software platforms, the programme recognises that human capital is the true engine of sustainable growth. Therefore, specialised capacity-building programmes form a vital component of the overarching agreement. These targeted educational initiatives are explicitly designed to equip Syrian tourism professionals with the critical skills required to operate within an increasingly digital tourism economy.

In tandem with these training programmes, the partnership will also launch dynamic destination marketing initiatives strategically aimed at capturing regional and international markets. By combining a technologically fluent workforce with an integrated digital ecosystem, the Syrian Ministry of Tourism is taking a definitive stride toward an innovation-led future. This strategy ensures the nation remains a resilient, highly competitive destination on the global tourism map for decades to come.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is steadily solidifying its position as a central hub for technological innovation and digital transformation in the Middle East.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is steadily solidifying its position as a central hub for technological innovation and digital transformation in the Middle East.

As nations globally modernise their economic foundations, the integration of advanced energy, artificial intelligence, and digital finance has become paramount. Leading this ambitious charge is Volarix Global W.L.L., a prominent Bahrain-based enterprise specialising in technology, innovation, and energy infrastructure. The organisation has officially announced the formation of a highly anticipated, integrated platform designed to develop and deploy next-generation systems. This strategic initiative promises to reshape the landscape of digital infrastructure, electric mobility, and regulated financial technology.

At the heart of this announcement is a comprehensive, phased development strategy aimed at revolutionising multiple vital sectors. The newly established platform will serve as a central command to coordinate and manage an expansive portfolio of strategic technology projects. By fostering partnerships with governments, sovereign institutions, regulatory bodies, technology innovators, and the private sector, Volarix Global intends to build an ecosystem that supports resilient, long-term economic development.

The leadership driving this ambitious vision brings a wealth of expertise. The initial corporate structure is spearheaded by His Excellency Shaikh Saud Bin Salman Alkhalifa, serving as Chairman. Joining him are Mr Dwayne Corbitt, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr Tawfeek Almoosa, Chief Operating Partner. According to His Excellency Shaikh Saud Bin Salman Alkhalifa, the organisation's long-term vision is anchored in advancing infrastructure-led economic growth. By prioritising long-term energy security, industrial development, and seamless digital transformation, the company aims to foster sustainable economic expansion that resonates well beyond the borders of Bahrain.

The organisation has adopted a strictly disciplined approach to project rollouts. Every initiative will be rigorously evaluated, ensuring that all commercial, technical, and regulatory requirements are fully satisfied before public announcements are made. Emphasising this methodical blueprint, Mr Dwayne Corbitt, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Volarix Global W.L.L., stated: “Volarix Global has been created to bring together infrastructure, energy, mobility, and digital finance into an integrated platform that supports long-term development. Our strategy is based on clear project phases and a disciplined implementation approach, with each project to be announced once the appropriate regulatory, commercial, and operational requirements have been completed.”

The scope of the integrated platform is vast, targeting critical verticals essential for a future-proof economy. One primary focal point is the creation of AI-ready data centres. As artificial intelligence continues to disrupt traditional business models, the demand for high-capacity data processing facilities has skyrocketed. By investing heavily in robust digital infrastructure, the company ensures the region remains globally competitive.

Furthermore, Volarix Global is deeply committed to the future of transportation and power generation. The platform will manage projects centred around advanced energy systems and comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The transition toward electric mobility requires an overhaul of existing energy grids, and the introduction of dedicated electric vehicle platforms will play a crucial role in enhancing energy security.

As the organisation progresses with its phased development strategy, continuous engagement with regulatory bodies and strategic partners remains a top priority. Highlighting the roadmap ahead, Mr Tawfeek Almoosa, Chief Operating Partner, commented: “As Volarix Global continues to advance its platform, we look forward to sharing further updates as key project milestones are achieved, including progress in regulatory engagement, strategic partnerships, site development, infrastructure deployment, and operations across our core verticals.”

The launch of this integrated platform by Volarix Global W.L.L. marks a significant milestone for Bahrain. By seamlessly bridging the gap between advanced energy grids, artificial intelligence, and regulated digital finance, the organisation is not merely participating in the global technological revolution—it is actively architecting the foundation for tomorrow’s digital economy.

, DMCC, has joined forces with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts to significantly widen their strategic collaboration.

Dubai's leading international business hub, DMCC, has joined forces with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts to significantly widen their strategic collaboration. This enhanced agreement is designed to provide DMCC's extensive network of more than 26,000 enterprises with comprehensive access to a broad array of personal and commercial legal services offered by the DIFC Courts

Building upon a ten-year relationship, the updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) allows DMCC members to seamlessly incorporate DIFC Courts jurisdiction clauses into their international agreements. Crucially, businesses can apply these clauses to contracts with global partners without requiring any further ties to the UAE, thereby securing access to English common law dispute resolution and globally enforceable rulings. This expansion aligns with the DIFC Courts' recently launched five-year Growth Strategy (2026–2030), building upon a legacy that began with their establishment in 2004, global expansion in 2011, and the recent modernisation of their legislative framework via Law No. (2) of 2025.

H.E. Justice Omar Al Mheiri, director at the DIFC Courts, said, “Legal certainty is not a luxury for businesses operating at the frontier of global trade. It is the foundation on which everything else is built. DIFC Courts exists precisely for the kind of commerce DMCC members conduct: cross-border, complex and high-stakes. Our partnership with DMCC, now in its second decade, reflects a shared belief that legal certainty and commercial dynamism advance hand in hand. Any DMCC member can write DIFC Courts into their next contract, with any partner, in any country, and access English common law dispute resolution at a world-class standard. This partnership ensures that capability is not just theoretically available, but practically understood, accessible and used.”

Aside from traditional litigation, DMCC firms can now utilise the Mediation Service Centre, which introduced a more cost-effective and rapid dispute resolution pathway in 2025 where mediated agreements carry the full authority of a court judgment. Furthermore, companies operating within the technology, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrency sectors—particularly those within DMCC's FinX ecosystem—will benefit from the Digital Economy Court. This specialised judicial body is equipped to manage intricate disputes surrounding blockchain evidence, AI-generated contracts, and digital asset insolvencies. Operating at 99 percent digital, the DIFC Courts actively support the Dubai Digital Strategy by delivering transparent and rapid proceedings.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman and chief executive officer of DMCC, said, “As global trade flows become increasingly interconnected, access to sophisticated legal infrastructure is critical to maintaining business confidence and supporting international growth. Now in its second decade, our expanded partnership with the DIFC Courts reinforces Dubai's position as one of the world's most competitive and business-friendly jurisdictions. This ensures DMCC member companies can access a range of DIFC Courts services, including the Digital Economy Court, Mediation Service Centre, Notary Service, and Wills Service, enabling them to operate with greater certainty, protection, and efficiency. With almost 27,000 companies operating from DMCC across global trade and next-generation industries, institutional collaboration of this nature plays a key role in enabling businesses to scale internationally from Dubai.”

The partnership also extends its focus to estate planning and personal asset protection. Expatriate business owners and non-Muslim residents can register wills through the DIFC Courts to safeguard their local assets, business interests, and dependents. This fulfils a critical need for DMCC's highly diverse international community of executives and founders, which represents more than 180 nationalities. In tandem with this, the Digital Assets Wills Service, introduced in 2025, offers a modern mechanism for individuals to secure their cryptocurrency, digital tokens, and other blockchain-based wealth.

To ensure maximum engagement and practical readiness, both entities will roll out a series of collaborative workshops and webinars. The partnership will also feature targeted campaigns directly promoting these digital and estate services to DMCC's Wealth Hub and family office communities, alongside integrating DIFC Courts referral pathways directly into the DMCC member portal.

The signing ceremony marking this expanded MoU was attended on behalf of the DIFC Courts by H.E. Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Amna Al Owais, Reem Al Shihhe, Ahmed Al Kamali, and Ruksana Ellahi. DMCC was represented by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Feryal Ahmadi, Lucy Donnelly, and Suhaila Aldhaheri. Ultimately, this alliance actively bolsters the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by seamlessly weaving top-tier legal infrastructure into the fabric of the emirate's vibrant business environment.

A familiar name in the print sector across Africa and the Middle East, Manroland Sheetfed is set to close its historic Offenbach factory in Germany

In recent years, the German press builder, founded in 1871, received financial support from its parent company, Langley Holdings plc, allowing it to continue exporting its huge print machines to the world.

Last October, South Africa’s Government Printing Works ordered the cutting-edge ROLAND 710 Evolution from Manroland Sheetfed, which boasts a production capability of 16,000 sheets per hour, making it one of the most efficient presses in its class.

In November, Manroland Sheetfed announced the successful installation of the ROLAND 706 LV Evolution at Jamjoom Pharmaceuticals Co. in Saudi Arabia, underlining its broad footprint across the region.

While the print machinery group enjoyed great success across the region in decades past, its decline reflects a shrinking market for printing presses globally.

Business in China, its primary overseas market, has also suffered in recent years.

The closure of the Offenbach site could mean the loss of more than 600 jobs.

Manroland Sheetfed’s spares and service business has also been put up for sale.