News

UAE Digital Technology Spending To Hit $20 Billion By 2026

The contribution of digital tech to the country’s GDP is likely to double within the next decade.

Published

2 years ago

March 28, 2023

uae digital technology spending to hit $20 billion by 2026

Digital technology spending in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — encompassing IT, telecoms, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotics — is expected to reach $20 billion over the next three years, according to a recent report by the Boston Consulting Group.

Digital tech is projected to account for 25-30% of global GDP over the next decade. According to BCG, the UAE is expected to double the contribution made by digital to its overall economic output, rising from 9.7% to 19.4% in the next 10 years.

Advances in robotics, automation, and a “historic explosion of data and intelligence” offer significant opportunities for wealth disruption and creation, but may present a steep learning curve for governments.

“The digital economy is not an elective. It marks a profound departure from how economies have historically been organized and regulated. Tackling this brave new world head-on will prove essential to remaining competitive and relevant on the global scene,” says Faisal Hamady, managing director and partner at BCG.

Also Read: ChatGPT Is Accelerating The AI Revolution In The Middle East

Dubai, which seeks to bolster its position as a global digital capital, recently launched the ambitious and far-reaching Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) plan.

The increase in digital technology spending aims to reinvent the Emirate as one of the world’s strongest city economies over the next decade, via a bold program that will support 30 private companies to achieve $1 billion unicorn status.

News

PayPal & TerraPay Join Forces For Cross-Border MENA Payments

The collaboration will be especially helpful in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is limited or inconsistent.

Published

19 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Nour Nasir

paypal and terrapay join forces for cross-border mena payments

PayPal has teamed up with TerraPay to improve cross-border payments across the Middle East and Africa. The move is designed to make it easier and faster for users to send and receive money internationally, especially in regions where traditional banking infrastructure can be limited or inconsistent.

The partnership connects PayPal’s digital payments ecosystem with TerraPay’s global money transfer network. The goal is to streamline real-time transfers between banks, mobile wallets, and financial institutions, significantly improving access for millions of users looking to move money securely and efficiently.

Through the partnership, users will be able to link their PayPal accounts to local banks and mobile wallets using TerraPay’s platform. This means faster transactions and fewer barriers for individuals and businesses across the region.

“The Middle East and Africa are at the forefront of the digital transformation, yet financial barriers still limit growth for many,” said Otto Williams, Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager, Middle East and Africa at PayPal. “At PayPal, we’re committed to changing that […] Together, we’re helping unlock economic opportunity and build a more connected, inclusive financial future”.

For TerraPay, the deal is a chance to scale its reach while reinforcing its mission of frictionless digital transactions.

“Our mission at TerraPay is to create a world where digital transactions are effortless, secure, and accessible to all,” said Ani Sane, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at TerraPay. He added that the partnership is a major milestone for enhancing financial access in the Middle East and Africa, helping businesses grow and users move funds with fewer limitations.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

The integration also aims to support financial inclusion in a region where access to global banking tools is still uneven. With interoperability at the core, TerraPay can bridge the gap between different financial systems — whether that’s a mobile wallet or a traditional bank — making it easier to send money, pay for services, or grow a business across borders.

As the demand for cross-border payment options continues to rise, both PayPal and TerraPay are doubling down on their commitment to provide reliable, secure, and forward-looking financial tools for the region.